When parents object to their child being vaccinated

Immunisation provider guidelines

There are a number of points you may wish to discuss with a parent/guardian who would like to partially or completely object to having their child immunised.

1. Points to discuss with parents/guardians who do not wish to vaccinate

• Their child will not be protected against the diseases for which they have not been vaccinated.
• Their child may be excluded from school if an outbreak occurs.
• Their child will not be permitted to enrol into long day care, family day care, pre-kindergarten or kindergarten if they are not up-to-date on their vaccinations.
• They will not be eligible for family assistance payments if their child is not up-to-date on their vaccinations.
• From 1 January 2016, conscientious objection and vaccination objection on non-medical grounds will no longer be a valid exemption from immunisation requirements.
• If parents/guardians change their mind:
  • they can take their child to an immunisation provider to get them fully vaccinated if their child is still age eligible for government-funded vaccination
  • they can access privately funded vaccines (payment will be required) if their child is no longer age eligible for government-funded vaccines.

2. Suggested reading material for parents/guardians

These materials may increase awareness of the consequences of not having a child fully vaccinated.

• The Comparisons of the Effects of Diseases and the Side Effects of Vaccines chart, sourced from Australian Immunisation Handbook 10^th edition
• Myths and Realities book. Health providers can order multiple copies of this resource by logging on to the online publication ordering system. This document can also be accessed online through the National Immunisation Program (external site).

3. Medical contraindication

If the child has a medical contraindication to vaccination, the medical provider will need to use the medical contraindication form, which can be found at the ACIR website (external site), or by calling ACIR on 1800 653 809.

Summary

• If the child has a medical contraindication to vaccination, the medical provider will need to use the Medical Contraindication form, which can be found at the ACIR website (external site) or by calling ACIR on 1800 653 809.
• From 1 January 2016, conscientious objection and vaccination objection on non-medical grounds will no longer be a valid exemption from immunisation requirements.