LOCAL parents are being encouraged to check their child’s immunisation status before the start of the school year.
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New legislation was brought into place on January 1 to help protect children in childcare centres from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The change means a child cannot be enrolled at a child care facility unless the parent or guardian provides an official immunisation record which proves the child has been fully immunized, or approved for an exemption by a health professional.
Children attending day care/creche, preschool and/or kindergarten should be protected against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox.
New England Medicare Local (NEML) CEO Graeme Kershaw said the importance of immunisation should not be underestimated.
“Diseases like measles and rubella can cause serious complications in children, sometimes with lasting consequences,” Mr Kershaw said.
“Immunisation is the safest way to protect children against these diseases.”
As part of its immunisation program, the NEML sends general practices monthly reminders to contact parents of children who are overdue for a vaccination as recommended on the NSW immunisation schedule.
Parents who do not receive a history statement after their child receives their four-year-old immunisations should contact the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809.
