Parents and carers with children starting childcare, primary or secondary school are urged to ensure they are up to date with their immunisations. Director of Health Protection, Dr Richard Broome, said while the NSW vaccination rate was high, some children have missed important vaccines to protect against highly infectious diseases like whooping cough and measles.
“Last year and this year continue to be challenging for many families, but timely childhood vaccination must remain a top priority in the daily lives of busy families,” he said. Children can only be enrolled in childcare in NSW where documented evidence is provided that they are fully immunised for their age, are on a recognised catch-up schedule or have a medical reason not to be vaccinated.
“Making sure that all children are up to date with their immunisations reduces their risk of getting a serious illness and also helps those who can’t be fully vaccinated, like newborn babies and the elderly.”
Immunisation requirements in primary schools were extended in 2018 to include secondary schools. Principals are now required to request an immunisation history statement when students enrol. Parents can download their child’s statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) from myGov, the Medicare Express Plus App or the AIR enquiry line on 1800 653 809. GP clinics are safe to attend during COVID-19. For more information visit: www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/Immunisation-in-schools.aspx