Queensland in new push to lift vaccination rates

New laws have given Queensland childcare centres the right to refuse to accept children who are not fully immunised.

A handle holding a syringe about to inject someone's arm

Australians are advised to get a flu vaccine sooner rather than later. Source: David Crosling

Queensland childcare centres can now refuse to accept children whose vaccinations aren't up to date.

Laws passed in state parliament give centres the power to refuse to take children under five whose parents have failed to ensure they complete mandated vaccination schedules.

Health Minister Cameron Dick says the move is aimed at lifting vaccination rates from the current 91 per cent, to 95 per cent.

Mr Dick says 95 per cent target will ensure there is so-called herd immunity, where the vaccination of the vast majority ensures those who can't receive immunisations are also protected.

"It's essential that the 95 per cent target that we are reaching for is met, if we are to prevent the transmission of highly contagious diseases such as measles," Mr Dick told parliament.

He said up to 35,000 Queensland children under five were not fully immunised.


Share
1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world