Legislation continuing the roll out of the Marshall Government’s No Jab, No Play policy passed State Parliament last night.
The Marshall Government will now exclude children up to the age of six from early learning services who have not been fully vaccinated from early August.
“The lack of a vaccine to protect against COVID-19 event has highlighted just how important it is to vaccinate against dangerous diseases we can prevent,” said Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade.
“High levels of immunisation are one of the most effective means of protecting the health of young South Australians.
“When immunisation rates fall we run the very real possibility of a significant outbreak of deadly, preventable disease.
“The simple fact is too many South Australian families shun vaccination, putting their children and other family’s children who cannot be vaccinated at greater risk of contracting a range of deadly diseases.
“The message from the State Government is crystal clear – get your kids fully immunised or they will not be admitted to early learning centres. We are not willing to put your child, other children, staff and the wider community at risk.”
Last night’s changes to No Jab, No Play laws follow earlier changes requiring parents to provide approved immunisation records to childcare centres, family day care, pre-schools, kindergartens and early learning centres upon enrolment, and at other specific ages throughout the child’s attendance at the service.
The State Government will embark on an extensive public communication campaign to ensure parents are fully aware of the changes before they come into force.
Medical exemptions can be granted.
