Immunisation Requirements
Ignite Minds recognises that the implementation of compulsory immunisation laws titled 'no jab no play' has caused considerable anxiety in the community. Ignite Minds supports parents right to choose and is publishing this information so that parents can be better informed of their rights and obligations.
When the law applies
The law applies to all early childhood education and care services in Victoria providing:
- long day care
- kindergarten (including 3 and 4 year old kindergarten)
- occasional care
- family day care.
When the law does NOT apply The law does not apply to:
- enrolment in primary school or secondary school
- children attending an outside school hours care service (after school care, before school care, vacation care)
- enrolment of school children in long day care, family day care or occasional care
- casual occasional care services that offer care of no more than two hours per day and no more than six hours per week (for example, crèches at gyms and shopping centres)
- playgroups.
Why do you need an Immunisation History Statement?
In 2016, amendments were made to thePublic Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (known as the 'No Jab, No Play' policy) to require children to be up-to-date with immunisations for their age to enrol in early childhood education services.
The purpose of this legislation is to encourage high early childhood immunisation rates in Victoria, to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The legislation also prompts parents/carers to keep their child's immunisations up to date.
To comply with this legislation, and to finalise a child’s enrolment in early childhood education, early childhood education and care services must request a current immunisation history statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) that shows the child is up to date with all the immunisations due for their age.
The only exception to this requirement is if the child can enrol under the 16-week support period.
Types of services the legislation applies to:
The requirements of the "No Jab, No Play" policy applies to approved and licensed early childhood education and care services in Victoria, providing:
- long day care
- kindergarten (including 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten)
- occasional care
- family day care.
The legislation does not apply to:
- enrolment in primary or secondary school
- children attending an outside school hour care service (after school care, before school care, vacation care)
- enrolments of school children in long day care, family day care or occasional care
- casual occasional care services that offer care for each child of no more than 2 hours per day and no more than 6 hours per week (for example, crèches at gyms and shopping centres) playgroups
- services primarily providing instruction in particular activities (for example, sport, dance, or music)
- services primarily provided or shared by family members of the children (and a family member is readily available and retains responsibility for the child).
Approved and licensed early childhood education and care services in Victoria must comply with the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008. Authorised officers from the Department of Education and Training monitor the compliance of early childhood education and care services. This includes checking that the immunisation status of children is recorded in the enrolment record. Penalties for non-compliance can apply.
Further Information:
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/before-enrolment-no-jab-no-play-requirements
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/no-jab-no-play
If you are still confused and would like to have an open discussion about your options please call Ujjval in the office on 03 90361504.