As around 74,000 excited Victorian children gear up for kinder, the Andrews Labor Government is urging families to make sure their children’s vaccinations are up to date.
Joining nurses and parents at Lady Huntingfield Children’s Centre in North Melbourne, Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos and Minister for Health Jill Hennessy said that all children enrolling in an early childhood education and care service must be fully vaccinated unless they had an approved exemption.
Conscientious objection to vaccinations is not an exemption.
The No Jab, No Play law applies to long day care, occasional care, family day care and kindergarten, and has received strong support from the community and early childhood sector.
The law, which came into force on 1 January this year, will reduce the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases through boosted immunisation rates in the community.
Vaccinations provide young children with protection against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, and help control and manage public health risks.
To help the estimated 20 per cent of parents who simply forget when their child’s vaccinations are due, the Government last year launched a new app, VaxOnTime, to help these busy parents keep track of when their young children are due for a vaccination.
Registered operators who disregard the new law could face fines and possible deregistration.
The Labor Government is working to ensure Victorian children get a great start in life, and this includes helping kids to begin their education being as healthy as they can.
VaxOnTime is available for download at Apple Store, Google Play and Windows.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“Getting immunised is easy. Victorian families have access to dedicated immunisation and maternal and child health nurses who are trained to make the process as quick and easy as possible.”
“This law will help keep our kids healthy and safe. We are working closely with early childhood services to make sure they understand their obligations and how to promote positive practice.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health Jill Hennessey
“In the busy lead up to the new kinder year its vital parents make the time to ensure their children are up to date with their vaccinations.”
“We know that vaccinations save lives, and that’s why we want to ensure as many children as possible are immunised against serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020