Only parents of children, less than 20 years of age, who are fully immunised or are on a recognised catch-up schedule can receive the benefits.
The relevant vaccinations are those under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). These vaccinations must be recorded on the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR).
Image: Centrelink – AAP
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING. Source: AAP
Children with medical contraindications or natural immunity for certain diseases will continue to be exempt from the requirements.
Image: Children – Public Domain Pixabay
Children by Public Domain Source: Public Domain
Conscientious objection and vaccination objection on non-medical grounds will no longer be a valid exemption from immunisation requirements.
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Families eligible to receive family assistance payments and have children less than 20 years of age, who may not meet the new immunisation requirements, will be notified by Centrelink.
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Image: AUD – AAP
Free catch-up is available for parents with children less than 10 years of age.
All states and territories are providing free catch-up NIP vaccines for all children less than 10 years of age on an on-going basis.
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Image: Family – Getty images
For more information visit The Department of Social Services.
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is accessible from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call.
WHO: immunisation prevents between 2-3 million deaths every year in all age groups from diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and measles. It is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions.
