Minister for Education, Dan Tehan has urged parents to check their children’s immunisations are up to date as they head back into the new school year.
Mr Tehan said that amid the organisation of school books and uniforms, families also needed to check that immunisations were current.
“It is a requirement for many Centrelink payments, child care providers and schools that children are up to date with their vaccinations — it is easy to check,” Mr Tehan said.
“While parents consider the practical items needed for the school year ahead, their children’s health should also be a priority, and immunisation is the safest way to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.”
He said parents who did not immunise their children were putting them at risk along with the health of other children.
Minister for Government Services, Stuart Robert said the quickest way for families to access their child’s immunisation history was online.
He encouraged families who currently received family assistance payments, or who planned to claim this year, to check their child’s immunisation history.
“The easiest way to check your child’s immunisation status is on your Medicare online account through myGov, or the Express Plus Medicare mobile app,” Mr Robert said.
“You can download a copy of your child’s Immunisation History Statement if you need to provide evidence to enrol.”
He said immunisation status could affect eligibility for Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Subsidy.
