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The Importance of Childhood Vaccination in Australia: A Reminder for Parents
As Australia grapples with a resurgence of measles cases, the importance of vaccinating children cannot be overstated. With over 60 reported cases already this year — nearly matching the total for the entire previous year — parents are urged to verify their children’s immunisation status.
Government Benefits at Stake
Parents, it’s crucial to understand that a child’s vaccination status can significantly impact Family Tax Benefits (FTB) and Child Care Subsidy Assistance (CCS). According to the National Immunisation Program (NIP), children must be up to date with their vaccinations or on a catch-up schedule to be eligible for these financial supports.
If a child is not immunised on time, families risk losing government benefits. The CCS may cease, and FTB Part A could be reduced by up to AUD 34.44 per fortnight for each unvaccinated child, summing up to nearly AUD 900 annually. Considering that full child care fees can exceed AUD 100 per day, the financial implications are substantial.
Families can utilise the Payment and Service Finder to estimate potential FTB and CCS entitlements.
Legislative Framework
In states like New South Wales and South Australia, the ‘no jab, no play’ legislation mandates that children must be fully vaccinated to attend child care facilities. While other states and territories may allow unvaccinated children to attend, child care providers reserve the right to refuse enrolment based on vaccination status. Furthermore, in the event of an outbreak, unvaccinated children may be temporarily excluded from child care settings.
Exemption and Compliance
While medical exemptions for vaccination can be granted for valid health issues, personal or philosophical objections are not acknowledged under Australia’s immunisation policy. Parents should note there is a 63-day grace period for overdue immunisations; however, after this period, government assistance will begin to diminish.
Parents can obtain their child’s immunisation history statement via their Medicare online account through myGov. This statement details all reported immunisations and identifies any overdue vaccinations. Guidance for obtaining this information is available on the Services Australia website. Additionally, parents are encouraged to consult their health care provider to arrange necessary appointments for vaccinations.
Conclusion
The rise in measles cases underscores the necessity of adhering to immunisation schedules. Parents must not only ensure their children are vaccinated but also understand the financial repercussions of failing to do so. By keeping on top of immunisations, families can safeguard their children’s health and maintain access to vital government assistance.
