No Jab, No Pay lifts immunisation rates

More than 5,738 children whose parents are receiving child care payments and were previously registered as vaccination objectors have had their child/ren immunised since the launch of the Government’s No Jab, No Pay policy.

Importantly, since the launch of the campaign on 1 January 2016, more than 148, 000 children who were not up-to-date with their immunisations on the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register are now meeting the requirements.

Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter, said it was extremely encouraging to see parents taking action to protect the health of their children and ensuring they have the best start in life.

“It’s great to see that families are getting their children immunised,” Minister Porter said.

“To give our kids the best protection against diseases such as whooping cough, we’re aiming towards a herd immunity level of 95 per cent and it’s clear that the No Jab, No Pay policy is helping to achieve this.”

Since the start of No Jab, No Pay, the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register records show that immunisation rates have increased for one, two and five years olds. One and five year old coverage rates have now reached 93% for the first time.

“This is good, reassuring news for public health and safety,” Minister Porter said.

“I’m particularly pleased to see that large numbers of vaccination objectors are getting the message and doing the right thing by their children and their communities.”

Under the No Jab, No Pay policy, parents are required to ensure that their child/children meet the immunisation requirements to be eligible for and to continue receiving Child Care Benefit, Child Care Rebate and the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A supplement payment. It’s important to note that children with medical contraindications or natural immunity (certified by an immunisation provider) continue to be exempt from the requirement.

“If your child is aged under 14, you can quickly and easily check their immunisation status on the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register to see whether they meet the immunisation requirements,” Mr Porter said. “If they are aged over 14, they can register and check for themselves.”

“If your child is missing any immunisations, you should visit your GP or an immunisation provider, to get them up-to-date, on a catch-up schedule or to have a valid medical exemption registered.”

Mr Porter also reminded families that it’s not too late to take action and they are encouraged to get their child immunised as soon as they can.

For more information, go to www.humanservices.gov.au/immunisation