18mth immunisations

**Antheia** · March 19th, 2008, 12:26 PM

DS is due for his immunisations next month and DD is due for her 4yo ones at the end of the year.

I am really not wanting to let them get them from now on. So if i didn't, what would that mean for when they start school and have not had the full course of immunisations? Will they not let them go to school (or pre-school for that matter?) What if i wanted them to go to a private school, would it matter to them?

Please note: I am not looking for a debate here about immunising children and i don't wish to state my reasons either. I just would like to know how it will affect them when they go to school.

**Trillian** · March 19th, 2008, 12:42 PM

They don't do the 18mth vacc now - he wouldn't need any until 4yo now unless you wanted him to have the chicken pox vacc which is given at 18mths. And yes you can choose to stop vacc even if you have started them. You will still need to get a letter stating that you are a conciencious objector for when you enroll in preschool etc. This also wont affect you getting the maternity immunisation payment either as his vaccinations are currently up to date at this point in time.

**bon** · March 19th, 2008, 01:34 PM

You will still be able to enrol them at school or kindy, but there will be note put in their file that they are not fully immunised and if there is illness etc, you will be asked to keep your children at home. But they are not allowed to refuse enrollment based on immunisation status. Getting a letter would be a good idea.

Sherie - I thought the 18 mth chicken pox vaccine was part of the schedule now? Since the govt made it free at 18 mths I assumed it was a required vaccine now.

**Trillian** · March 19th, 2008, 01:42 PM

Bon, as far as I know it still isn't on the schedule (its not listed in the blue book), and is still optional but it is free to have it. I *think* it is on the schedule though for indigenous children as the risks and health issues from them getting it are greater than other children.

**visitor1** · March 19th, 2008, 01:57 PM

Sherie its listed in both my girls blue books.

Im not wanting to give any more vacs after 12 months myself. I do worry when it comes to school time though. I mean i dont really have a valid reason other then i just dont want them having them, and thats not really a good reason for a GP to write a letter for!

Perhaps call the Preschools and primary schools Antheia and see what they say and require!

Matryoshka · March 19th, 2008, 02:32 PM

The chicken pox is optional, we're delaying it.

We've enrolled in private Montessori School, and while they want your immunisation record, they did not state you needed to have a full vax to attend.

**{sarah}** · March 19th, 2008, 02:35 PM

Yep as Sherie said they wil be allowed to attend school but you will be told of outbreaks of any of the immunisable (is that a word LOL) diseases with the expectation that your children be kept at home whilst the outbreak is current. The only issue there will be whether you are concerned they'll fall behind with their school work, but you can always get things to do at home from their teachers.