Immunisation Enrolment Toolkit. For Early Childhood Education and Care Services. Immunisation

Transcription

1 Immunisation Enrolment Toolkit For Early Childhood Education and Care Services Immunisation

2 Contents 1 Introduction Immunisation in NSW... 3 Changes to the NSW Public Health Act Exemptions Australian Childhood Immunisation Register Documentation Management Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR)... 5 ACIR Immunisation History Statement... 5 ACIR Immunisation Documentation Requirements... 5 Medical Contraindication specific vaccine(s)... 5 Medical Contraindication all vaccines... 5 Conscientious Objection... 6 Overseas Records... 6 Temporary Resident Visas and Refugees... 6 Assisting parents/guardians to obtain an ACIR Immunisation History Statement... 7 Assisting parents/guardians to obtain a form requiring completion by a doctor/immunisation nurse... 7 Storage & Retention of Immunisation Records at Early Childhood Education and Care Services... 7 Child Transfer... 7 Privacy... 7 ACIR Immunisation History Statement up to date... 8 ACIR Immunisation History Statement fully immunised child... 9 ACIR Immunisation History Statement not up to date...10 ACIR Immunisation History Statement mailed version...11 ACIR Immunisation History Form...12 ACIR Medical Contraindication Form...13 ACIR Immunisation History Statement and Medical Contraindication...14 ACIR Conscientious Objection Form...15 ACIR Conscientious Objection Letter NSW Immunisation Schedule NSW Immunisation Schedule from 1 July Early Childhood Education and Care Service Immunisation Register Early Childhood Education and Care Service Immunisation Register...19 Early Childhood Education and Care Service Immunisation Register Template Vaccine Preventable Diseases Vaccine Preventable Diseases Scenarios Common Scenarios Immunisation Brochures Immunisation Brochures Templates & Resources Parent Enrolment Letter Template Local Resources Resources...31 Version 1.0 Immunisation Enrolment Tookit NSW Health PAGE 1

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4 1. Introduction Immunisation in NSW Immunisation programs in NSW have been extremely effective in reducing the risk of vaccine preventable diseases. However, diseases such as measles and whooping cough continue to occur in the community, indicating that immunisation levels are not optimal. To control these and other diseases, very high immunisation rates are needed. While around 90% of children at 1 and 2 years of age in NSW are fully immunised, at least 95% coverage is needed for effective disease control. Changes to the NSW Public Health Act 2010 In an effort to improve childhood immunisation rates, the NSW Government has amended the Public Health Act The Public Health Amendment (Vaccination of Children Attending Child Care Facilities) Act 2013 will come into force from 1 January 2014 which means that early childhood education and care services cannot enrol a child unless the parent/guardian has provided documentation that shows the child: n is fully vaccinated for their age, or; n has a medical reason not to be vaccinated, or; n has a parent/guardian who has a conscientious objection to vaccination or; n is on a recognised catch-up schedule if their child has fallen behind with their vaccinations. Under the amendment to the Public Health Act 2010, directors of early childhood education and care services are still required to maintain an immunisation register (refer to the Early Childhood Education and Care Services Immunisation Register section 4) regarding the immunisation status of all enrolled children. The child s immunisation status must be recorded upon their initial enrolment in the service and at each immunisation milestone (2, 4, 6, 12 & 18 months and 3½ - 4 years). In the event of an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease, unimmunised children may be required to stay at home for the duration of the outbreak. For information on exclusion of children, refer to Staying Healthy Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services (5th edition, updated June 2013), which is discussed in the Vaccine Preventable Diseases section 5. This toolkit has been developed to assist early childhood education and care services with their legal responsibilities and immunisation record management. Detailed information on the legislative changes is provided on the NSW Health website at: immunisation. Previously early childhood education and care services have only been required to request that parents/guardians provide an Immunisation History Statement and keep a register of that information; however there was no barrier to enrolment if the information was not provided. Version 1.0 Immunisation Enrolment Tookit NSW Health PAGE 3

5 Exemptions Permanent and temporary exemptions are as follows: Permanent i. Class of children n Commenced formal schooling, for example attending before and after school care. ii. Early childhood education and care services n Services providing education and care to children primarily on an ad hoc, temporary or casual basis (for example crèches in shopping centres and gyms). This does not include the type of service commonly referred to as occasional care. Temporary The following circumstances will result in a 12 week period from the date of enrolment for parents/guardians to provide the required documentation: iii. Class of children n Evacuated following a declared natural disaster n Children, who through exceptional circumstances, are determined to be in need of protection and/or placed in emergency care (e.g. children placed in emergency foster care; parent/guardian of a child needing urgent health care and the child is placed in emergency care). PAGE 4 NSW Health Immunisation Enrolment Tookit Version 1.0

6 2. Australian Childhood Immunisation Register Documentation Management Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) The Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) is a national register administered by Medicare that records details of vaccinations given to children under seven years of age who live in Australia. ACIR Immunisation History Statement The ACIR provides an Immunisation History Statement to parents/guardians which is used to help keep track of their child s immunisations and as proof of immunisation for enrolment in child care and primary school. ACIR Immunisation History Statements are automatically sent to parents/guardians in the mail after their child s 18 month and 3½ 4 year old milestone vaccinations. ACIR Immunisation Documentation Requirements To enrol in an early childhood education and care service, parents/guardians must provide a copy of one or more of the following documents: 1. A current ACIR Immunisation History Statement which shows that the child is up to date with their scheduled immunisations. 2. A current ACIR Immunisation History Form on which the immunisation provider has certified that the child is on a recognised catch-up schedule. 3. An ACIR Immunisation Exemption Medical Contraindication Form which has been certified by an immunisation provider for a child who cannot receive one or more vaccine(s). 4. An ACIR Immunisation Exemption Conscientious Objection Form which has been certified by an immunisation provider and a parent/guardian. (An ACIR Conscientious Objection letter certifying that a Conscientious Objection Form has been lodged previously with the ACIR is also acceptable). Other records such as the NSW Personal Health Record (Blue Book), a GP letter or an overseas immunisation record must not be accepted. Parents/guardians may obtain a copy of their child s Immunisation History Statement at any time: n By telephone on n By on acir@medicareaustralia.gov.au n Online at online n In person at the local Medicare office, Centrelink office or Child Support Service Centre Medical Contraindication specific vaccine(s) Children who have a medical contraindication for a specific vaccine(s) will require an ACIR Immunisation History Statement that shows the child is up to date with all of their other vaccinations along with a Medical Contraindication Form, signed by a doctor/immunisation nurse, showing which vaccine(s) the child is unable to receive. Medical Contraindication all vaccines Children who cannot receive any vaccinations due to a medical condition(s) require a Medical Contraindication Form signed by a doctor/ immunisation nurse. Version 1.0 Immunisation Enrolment Tookit NSW Health PAGE 5

7 Conscientious Objection Parents who have lodged a Conscientious Objection Form with the ACIR in the past (and do not have a copy) are required to seek a certified letter from the ACIR or visit their doctor/ immunisation nurse to obtain a new form. Overseas Records Overseas immunisation records must not be accepted. Children who were vaccinated overseas must attend a doctor/immunisation nurse to have their overseas immunisation record assessed and offered immunisation as required. The doctor/ immunisation nurse will complete an Immunisation History Form. The parent/guardian should be provided with a copy of the form which will show the due date of the next immunisations (unless the child is fully vaccinated at 3 ½ - 4 years of age) and this should be provided to the service for enrolment. An ACIR Immunisation History Statement will be mailed to the parent/guardian soon afterwards, a copy should be provided to the service where the child is enrolled. Temporary Resident Visas and Refugees Children who have temporary resident or refugee status are required to attend a doctor/ immunisation nurse to have their immunisation status assessed and an Immunisation History Form completed. A copy of this form must be presented to the service where they are to be enrolled. The Personal Health Record (Blue Book), a GP Letter and/or an overseas vaccination record must not be accepted as evidence of a child s immunisation status. Assisting parents/guardians to obtain an ACIR Immunisation History Statement Parents/guardians can log onto the Medicare online services website and print a copy of the ACIR Immunisation History Statement or relevant form that needs to be completed by their doctor/ immunisation nurse. n Parents/guardians will need their Medicare card number. n Visit subjects/medicare services n Choose Australian Childhood Immunisation Register in the links on the right hand side under the Payments and Services section. n Go to the top right hand side of the screen and choose Log on under the Customer Online Services heading. n A drop down box will appear choose Medicare Online Services then Log on. n Parents who have not previously registered for online services will need to do this now by completing the Register for online services section. Parents will be provided with a username and password via and will not be able to access their child s statement until they have received their username and password. n Parents who are already registered for Medicare online services should log on using their username and password. n After entering their log on details parents/ guardians will be required to answer security questions (they would have previously set the answers during registration). n After successful completion of the security questions, choose Submit which takes them to the next page. n Choose Continue on the Access Online Services Page. PAGE 6 NSW Health Immunisation Enrolment Tookit Version 1.0

8 n This will take them to a Welcome to online services page where they can choose Your child s immunisation history under the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register. n Under the Children you can view an immunisation record for heading, parents/ guardians can choose which child they wish to print a statement for and choose View Statement. n Parents/guardians can either print a statement or request a new statement. Assisting parents/guardians to obtain a form requiring completion by a doctor/immunisation nurse n Visit subjects/medicare-services n Choose Australian Childhood Immunisation Register in the links on the right hand side under the Payments and Services section. n On the right hand side under the Quick Links section, three forms are available to print: n Immunisation Exemption Conscientious Objection Form n Immunisation Medical Contraindication Form n Information about the Immunisation History Form this takes you to information about the form with a link to open and print the form. n These forms are not to be completed by the parent/guardian at the early childhood education and care service. Parents/guardians must take the form to their doctor/ immunisation nurse for completion and a copy returned to your service before they can be enrolled. Storage and Retention of Immunisation Records at Early Childhood Education and Care Services The immunisation documents and immunisation register (refer to the Early Childhood Education and Care Service Immunisation Register section) must be stored in a secure location and retained for a period of three years from when the child ceases to attend the service. Child Transfer Should a child transfer to another early childhood education and care service, a copy of the child s immunisation documentation must, if requested, be provided to the: n parent/guardian for enrolment at the new service, or; n director of the new service where the child is due to enrol. Privacy Privacy regarding the immunisation status of all enrolled children must be maintained at all times. Should a parent/guardian enquire about the immunisation status of another enrolled child(ren), this information must not be provided. The immunisation status of enrolled children should only be provided to Public Health Unit staff upon request, for example, during an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease. Officers of the Department of Education and Communities are authorised to inspect the immunisation register. Version 1.0 Immunisation Enrolment Tookit NSW Health PAGE 7

9 ACIR Immunisation History Statement up to date The ACIR Immunisation History Statement is issued to parents after their child s 18 month and 3½ - 4 year old milestone vaccinations automatically but can be requested at any time. The statement will show the words up to date next to Immunisation status in the top section of the form as highlighted in the example below: Up to date This is an online version of the statement that parents can view and download from the Medicare website Immunisation history statement - online version As at: 18 June 2013 For: MOHAMED C BELL Date of birth: 11 December 2012 Immunisation status: up to date Schedule Immunisation Date given Brand name given Provider type 2 months Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis Hepatitis B Polio Hib 11 Feb 2013 Infanrix Hexa GP Pneumococcal Prevenar 13 Rotavirus Rotarix 4 months Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis Hepatitis B Polio Hib 11 Apr 2013 Infanrix Hexa GP Pneumococcal Prevenar 13 Rotavirus Rotarix 6 months Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis Hepatitis B Polio Hib 10 Jun 2013 Infanrix Hexa GP Pneumococcal Prevenar 13 Next immunisation(s) due Date due Meningococcal C 11 Dec 2013 Measles Mumps Rubella 11 Dec 2013 Hib 11 Dec 2013 It s important to check that a current statement has been provided. For example, a parent/guardian may submit an up to date statement relating to when their child was 6 months old but the child is now 12 months old. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the date due for next immunisations is in the future. Every effort is made to ensure that the information contained on the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register is correct. The data is based on information provided to Medicare Australia by immunisation providers and the accuracy of data is dependent on the quality and timeliness of information provided. Immunisation records are only available from 1 January The immunisations that the child requires next and when they are due are listed here. The due date should be entered in the Next immunisations due date in your Immunisation Register. Select Up to Date Immunisation History Statement in your Immunisation Register drop down list. PAGE 8 NSW Health Immunisation Enrolment Tookit Version 1.0

10 ACIR Immunisation History Statement fully immunised child Children who have received all of their scheduled immunisations by 3½ - 4 years of age will receive an up to date ACIR Immunisation History Statement showing that the child does not require any further vaccinations before starting primary school. Immunisation history statement - online version As at: 12 June 2013 For: MARCOS O MYERS Date of birth: 01 January 2008 Immunisation status: up to date Schedule Immunisation Date given Brand name given Provider type 2 months Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis Hepatitis B Polio Hib 01 Mar 2008 Infanrix Hexa GP Pneumococcal Prevenar 7 Rotavirus RotaTeq 4 months Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis Hepatitis B Polio Hib 07 May 2008 Infanrix Hexa GP Pneumococcal Prevenar 7 Rotavirus RotaTeq 6 months Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis Hepatitis B Polio Hib 07 Jul 2008 Infanrix Hexa GP Pneumococcal Prevenar 7 Rotavirus RotaTeq 12 months Hib 03 Jan 2009 Hiberix GP Measles Mumps Rubella Priorix Meningococcal C Meningitec 18 months Varicella 30 Jun 2009 Varilrix GP 4 years Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis Polio 04 Jan 2012 Infanrix-IPV GP Measles Mumps Rubella Priorix Next immunisation(s) due Date due This child has received all vaccines required by 5 years of age. This child is fully immunised. Select Up to Date Immunisation History Statement in your Immunisation Register drop down list. Version 1.0 Immunisation Enrolment Tookit NSW Health PAGE 9

11 ACIR Immunisation History Statement not up to date Where a child is not up to date with their scheduled vaccinations the words not up to date will be shown as highlighted in the example below: Immunisation history statement - online version This is an online version of the statement that parents can view and download from the Medicare website As at: 12 June 2013 For: Your Child SMITH J NOT up to date Date of birth: 01 January 2012 Immunisation status: not up to date Schedule Immunisation Date given Brand name given Provider type 2 months Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis Hepatitis B Polio Hib 01 Mar 2012 Infanrix Hexa GP Pneumococcal Prevenar 13 Rotavirus RotaTeq 4 months Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis Hepatitis B Polio Hib 01 Jun 2012 Infanrix Hexa GP Pneumococcal Prevenar 13 Rotavirus RotaTeq Next immunisation(s) due Date due Poliomyelitis 01 Aug 2012 Pneumococcal 01 Aug 2012 Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis 01 Aug 2012 Hib 01 Aug 2012 Hepatitis B 01 Aug 2012 The immunisations that the child requires to bring them up to date and when they are due are listed here. Every effort is made to ensure that the information contained on the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register is correct. The data is based on information provided to Medicare Australia by immunisation providers and the accuracy of data is dependent on the quality and timeliness of information provided. Immunisation records are only available from 1 January Form Provided Enrol Yes/No? Immunisation Register Medical contraindication for all of the vaccine(s) listed Yes Medical Contraindication Immunisation Exemption Medical contraindication for only some of the vaccines listed (not all) Immunisation History Statement not up to date Child does not have a medical contraindication Yes provided that an Immunisation History Statement is also provided for the vaccines that the child has received the DUE DATE of the next vaccinations must be in the future No advise parent/guardian to attend doctor/ immunisation nurse to arrange catch-up vaccination an ACIR History Form must then be provided that shows the child is on a catchup schedule Up to Date ACIR Immunisation History Statement AND Medical Contraindication Immunisation Exemption N/A PAGE 10 NSW Health Immunisation Enrolment Tookit Version 1.0

12 ACIR Immunisation History Statement mailed version Online versions of the ACIR Immunisation History Statements were shown in the previous examples. A mailed version is shown below: This child is not up to date This child is overdue for the following vaccinations Regardless of the type of ACIR Immunisation History Statement that is received (online or mailed), early childhood education and care services must not enrol any child with a statement that states that the child is not up to date. The only exception is when a child has a medical condition and cannot receive a specific vaccine(s) as outlined in the previous ACIR History Statement not up to date section. Version 1.0 Immunisation Enrolment Tookit NSW Health PAGE 11

13 ACIR Immunisation History Form Parents/guardians of children who are on a catch-up schedule should be provided with an ACIR Immunisation History Form from their doctor/immunisaton nurse showing that the child is on a recognised catch-up schedule. The form must be signed and dated by a doctor/immunisation nurse who must forward it to Medicare and provide a copy to the parent/guardian for enrolment. This identifies the date that the next immunisations are due and should be entered in the Next immunisations due date in your Immunisation Register. Check that all parts are completed. In Part C the doctor/ immunisation nurse must provide their Medicare provider/acir registration number, full name, date and signature. Select Catch-up Schedule Immunisation History Form from the drop down list in your Immunisation Register. PAGE 12 NSW Health Immunisation Enrolment Tookit Version 1.0

14 ACIR Medical Contraindication Form Parents/guardians of children who have a medical condition that exempts them from being vaccinated should attend their doctor/immunisation nurse to have an Immunisation Exemption Medical Contraindication Form completed. The doctor/immunisation nurse is required to sign and date the form, send it to Medicare and provide a copy to the parent/guardian for enrolment. This section will list the vaccine(s) that the child is not able to receive. It is important to compare this list with the current NSW Immunisation Schedule. If a child is able to receive some vaccines, an up to date ACIR Immunisation History Statement must also be provided showing the vaccines that the child has received for their age. Some children may have a temporary medical contraindication check for a date that they are due to be vaccinated and record this on the Immunisation Register Select Medical Contraindication Immunisation Exemption from the drop down list in your Immunisation Register. Check that the form is fully completed and that the doctor/nurse has signed, dated and provided their Medicare/ACIR provider number. Version 1.0 Immunisation Enrolment Tookit NSW Health PAGE 13

15 ACIR Immunisation History Statement AND Medical Contraindication A child with a medical contraindication to one or more vaccines will have these vaccines listed in the bottom section of the Immunisation History Statement. Medical contraindication to one or more vaccines will be listed here (mailed version of the ACIR Immunisation History Schedule is shown). Select Up to Date - ACIR Immunisation History Statement AND Medical Contraindication Immunisation Exemption from the drop down list in your Immunisation Register PAGE 14 NSW Health Immunisation Enrolment Tookit Version 1.0

16 ACIR Conscientious Objection Form Parents/guardians of children who have a conscientious objection to immunisation are required to attend their doctor/immunisation nurse to have an Immunisation Exemption Conscientious Objection Form completed. The doctor/immunisation nurse is required to sign and date the form, provide a copy to the parent/guardian and send it to Medicare. The parent/guardian is required to provide the copy of the form to the early childhood education and care service where they wish to enrol their child. The form MUST be signed in both places and dated Select Conscientious Objection Immunisation Exemption from the drop down list in your Immunisation Register. Version 1.0 Immunisation Enrolment Tookit NSW Health PAGE 15

17 ACIR Conscientious Objection Letter Parents/guardians who do not have a copy of their child s ACIR Immunisation Exemption Conscientious Objection Form (which has previously been lodged with the ACIR) can request a certified letter from the ACIR confirming that a conscientious objection to vaccination has been recorded. No other type of letter is acceptable. If not delivered return to GPO Box 9822 in your capital city <Date> <Title> <Name> <Surname> <Address Line 1> <Address Line 2> <SUBURB> <STATE> <Postcode> Our reference: <reference> Dear <Title> <Surname> Conscientious objection to immunisation Thankyou for requesting confirmation from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) that a conscientious objection to immunisation has been recorded for your child(ren). We certify that a valid and current conscientious objection to immunisation is recorded on the ACIR for your child(ren) listed below: Child name <Name> <Name> Date of birth <day month year> <day month year> More information For more information about the ACIR, go to humanservices.gov.au/acir Yours sincerely <Signatory name> Customer Service Officer Australian Childhood Immunisation Register Page 1 of 1 Select Conscientious Objection Immunisation Exemption from the drop down list in your Immunisation Register. PAGE 16 NSW Health Immunisation Enrolment Tookit Version 1.0

18 3. Immunisation Schedule NSW Immunisation Schedule from 1 July 2013 The current version of the NSW Immunisation Schedule is available on the NSW Health website at Directors should send a reminder to parents/guardians before their child s next scheduled immunisations are due to ensure that current immunisation documentation is held for each enrolled child. NSW IMMUNISATION SCHEDULE 1 July 2013 AGE DISEASE VACCINE CHILDHOOD VACCINES Birth Hepatitis B H-B-Vax II 2 months Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Haemophilus INFaNRIx HExa influenzae type b (Hib), Hepatitis B, Polio } Can be given as early as 6 weeks Pneumococcal Rotavirus PREVENaR 13 ROTaRIx 4 months Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Hepatitis B, Polio Pneumococcal Rotavirus } INFaNRIx HExa PREVENaR 13 ROTaRIx 6 months Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Hepatitis B, Polio Pneumococcal } INFaNRIx HExa PREVENaR months Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Meningococcal C Measles, Mumps, Rubella } MENITORIx MMR 18 months Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella PRIORIx-TETRa 4 years Can be given as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio Measles, Mumps, Rubella INFaNRIx-IPV MMR early as 3½ years (if child has not had 2 doses of measlesmumps-rubella containing vaccine) ADOLESCENT VACCINES Year 7 Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis Human Papillomavirus Hepatitis B (catch-up only; ceases end 2013) Varicella (catch-up only) BOOSTRIx GaRDaSIL H-B-Vax II VaRICELLa Year 9 Human Papillomavirus (males only; 2013 & 2014) GaRDaSIL VACCINES provided for AT risk GrOupS 6 months and over with Influenza INFLUENZa medical risk conditions aboriginal 15 years and over 65 years and over Pregnant women 65 years and over aboriginal 50 years and over aboriginal years with medical risk factors* Pneumococcal PNEUMOVax 23 *Refer to pages of the The Australian Immunisation Handbook (10 th edition) Version 1.0 Immunisation Enrolment Tookit NSW Health PAGE 17

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20 4. Early Childhood Education and Care Service Immunisation Register Early Childhood Education and Care Service Immunisation Register Under the NSW Public Health Act 2010, early childhood education and care service directors must maintain an immunisation register that details the immunisation status and certificates held for all enrolled children. This information is used by the Public Health Unit to manage outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases. The Register must be kept for a period of three years from the date on which each enrolled child ceases to attend the service and be produced for inspection by the Public Health Officer as requested, for example, during an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease. An Early Childhood Education and Care Service Immunisation Register template is provided in this toolkit to demonstrate how the immunisation status of each enrolled child should be recorded. An electronic version of the template is available on the NSW Health website ( gov.au/immunisation). The register contains drop down options for each immunisation milestone which will assist services to ensure that they only enrol children with the appropriate documentation and it will also facilitate regular follow-up of all enrolled children to make sure that up to date documentation is held for each child. The Department of Education and Communities will be assisting NSW Health to ensure the new vaccination requirements are being met. Officers of the Department of Education and Communities will provide compliance support by checking that services are maintaining an immunisation register and all other documentation for children enrolled in the service, as required under the NSW Public Health Act Version 1.0 Immunisation Enrolment Tookit NSW Health PAGE 19

21 Early Childhood Education and Care Service Immunisation Register Template (Template available at Student Name (First name, Last name) Date of Birth (e.g. 17/03/00) 2 months 4 months Immunisation Schedule 6 months 12 months 18 months 3½ 4 years Next Immunisation due date Comments Choose one of the following options from the dropdown menu at each milestone: n Up to Date Immunisation History Statement n Up to Date Immunisation History Statement AND Medical Contraindication -Immunisation Exemption Record any comments that may assist you. For example, requested updated history statement on 2/2/2014 n Catch-up Schedule Immunisation History Form n Medical Contraindication Immunisation Exemption n Conscientious Objection Immunisation Exemption The date is recorded on the: n Immunisation History Statement up to date. The next vaccination due date will be listed in the bottom section of the statement (excludes fully immunised children refer to the ACIR Immunisation History Statement fully immunised child section), and; n Immunisation History Form for children who are on a catch-up schedule. The date the next vaccinations are due is listed on the bottom of the form. n Medical Contraindication Form a deferred date will be recorded for children who have a temporary medical contraindication PAGE 20 NSW Health Immunisation Enrolment Tookit Version 1.0

22 5. Vaccine Preventable Diseases The National Health and Medical Research Council s Staying Healthy Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services (5th edition, updated June 2013) is a best practice tool that provides information for educators to help limit the spread of illness and infectious diseases in their facilities. 5th Edition Staying Healthy Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services This resource provides information on vaccine preventable diseases and their exclusion periods along with recommended vaccinations for educators and other staff. It is available along with additional resources (wall posters and brochures) at: Disease Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis (whooping cough) Description Bacterial disease spread by respiratory droplets causes severe throat and breathing difficulties, nerve paralysis and heart failure Caused by toxin of bacteria in soil causes painful muscle spasms, convulsions and lockjaw Bacterial disease spread by respiratory droplets causes whooping cough with prolonged cough lasting up to 3 months Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib) Bacterial disease spread by respiratory droplets causes meningitis (infection of tissues around brain), epiglottitis (blockage of airway), septicaemia (blood infection) and septic arthritis (joint infection) Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Polio Pneumococcal Rotavirus Measles Mumps Rubella Varicella (chickenpox) Meningococcal Influenza Virus spread by contact with faecally infected water/food or contact with infected faecal material causes jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), nausea, vomiting, liver pain, and tiredness Virus spread mainly by blood, sexual contact or from mother to newborn baby causes acute hepatitis (liver infection), liver cancer or chronic infection ( carrier ) Virus spread in faeces and saliva causes fever, headache and vomiting and may progress to paralysis Bacterial disease spread by respiratory droplets causes septicaemia (blood infection), meningitis (infection of tissues around brain) and pneumonia Virus spread by faecal-oral route causes gastroenteritis, which can be severe Highly infectious virus spread by respiratory droplets causes fever, cough and rash Virus spread by saliva causes swollen neck and salivary glands and fever Virus spread by respiratory droplets causes fever, rash and swollen glands but can cause severe birth defects in babies of infected pregnant women Highly infectious virus causes low-grade fever and rash (lumps that turn into blisters). If reactivated later in life, it causes shingles Bacteria spread by respiratory droplets causes septicaemia (blood infection) and meningitis (infection of tissues around brain) Virus spread by respiratory droplets causes fever, muscle and joint pains, pneumonia Notify vaccine preventable diseases to your Local Public Health Unit on Version 1.0 Immunisation Enrolment Tookit NSW Health PAGE 21

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24 6. Scenarios Common Scenarios Is this your situation? Parent/guardian does not provide the appropriate immunisation documentation. (as outlined in the ACIR documentation section) Parent/guardian provides an ACIR Immunisation History Statement which states that the child is not up to date. Note: This child DOES NOT have a medical condition that prevents them from being vaccinated Parent/guardian advises they cannot provide an ACIR Immunisation History Statement as their child has a medical contraindication to ALL vaccinations Parent/guardian provides an ACIR Immunisation History Statement which advises that the child is not up to date. Note: This child has a medical condition that prevents them from being vaccinated for a specific vaccine(s) not all vaccines. Parent/guardian advises that their child was vaccinated overseas and they do not have an ACIR Immunisation History Statement This is what you should do Do not enrol this child until the acceptable documentation is provided. Advise the parent/guardian that from 1 January 2014 under the NSW Public Health Act 2010, their child cannot enrol in child care until the appropriate documentation is provided. Do not enrol this child until the acceptable documentation is provided. Advise the parent/guardian to take their child to their doctor/ immunisation nurse to arrange catch-up vaccination for their child and request that an ACIR Immunisation History Form is completed. The form must be forwarded to Medicare by the doctor/immunisation nurse and a copy given to the parent/guardian to provide to your service. An ACIR Immunisation History Statement will be mailed to the parent, which should be copied and provided to your service. Do not enrol this child until the acceptable documentation is provided. Advise the parent/guardian to take their child to their doctor/ immunisation nurse and request an ACIR Immunisation Exemption Medical Contraindication Form to be completed and sent to Medicare. The parent/guardian must provide a copy to your service. Do not enrol this child unless the parent/guardian provides a copy of the ACIR Medical Contraindication Form AND Immunisation History Statement. Advise the parent/guardian to take their child to their doctor/ immunisation nurse and request that an ACIR Medical Contraindication Form is completed which shows which vaccinations the child cannot receive. The form must be forwarded to Medicare by the doctor/ immunisation nurse and a copy given to the parent/guardian to provide to your service. Do not enrol this child until the acceptable documentation is provided. Advise the parent/guardian to take their child to their doctor/ immunisation nurse and request that their immunisation history is reviewed and any catch-up vaccination commenced. Request that an ACIR Immunisation History Form is completed. The form must be forwarded to Medicare by the doctor/immunisation nurse and a copy given to the parent/guardian to provide to your service. An ACIR Immunisation History Statement will be mailed to the parent, which should be copied and provided to your service. Version 1.0 Immunisation Enrolment Tookit NSW Health PAGE 23

25 Common Scenarios Is this your situation? Parent/guardian advises he/she is unable to provide an ACIR Immunisation History Statement as they have a conscientious objection to vaccination. Parent/guardian advises that they have lost their child s ACIR Immunisation History Statement. This is what you should do Do not enrol this child until the acceptable documentation is provided. Advise the parent/guardian to take their child to their doctor/ immunisation nurse and request that an ACIR Immunisation Exemption Conscientious Objection Form is completed and sent to Medicare by the doctor/immunisation nurse. The parent/guardian must provide a copy to your service. Parents/guardians who do not have a copy of their form can obtain a certified letter from the ACIR confirming that a conscientious objection to vaccination is recorded on the ACIR. Parents/guardians can also attend their doctor/immunisation provider and request a new form. Do not enrol this child until the acceptable documentation is provided. Advise that parent to contact the ACIR and request a statement Refer to the ACIR Documentation section in this toolkit. PAGE 24 NSW Health Immunisation Enrolment Tookit Version 1.0

26 7. Immunisation Brochures The following parent brochure has been developed to assist parents/guardians understand their responsibilities regarding child care enrolment in early childhood education and care services. The brochure has been translated into 23 languages and can be ordered on the brochure order form provided in the back of this toolkit. Parent Brochure RE INFORMATION R website w.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/ ralian-childhood-immunisation-register Health website w.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation Health ve the Date to Vaccinate paign website w.immunisation.health.nsw.gov.au Child Care Entry & Immunisation Parent Information tralian Government artment of Health & Ageing unise Australia Program w.immunise.health.gov.au (HP) ember 2013 NSW Ministry of Health. Version 1.0 Immunisation Enrolment Tookit NSW Health PAGE 25

27 Brochures The following general immunisation parent brochures can be printed directly from the NSW Health Save the Date to vaccinate website at: They can also be ordered using a brochure order form available on the NSW Health website at: Save the Date to Vaccinate Brochure VacciNate WithoUt delay to Help keep disease at bay Vaccinations are provided by: GPs Aboriginal Medical Services Some local councils Some community health centres If you are unsure about what services are available in your area, you can contact your nearest Public Health Unit on DownlOad App for... For more information about immunisation visit immunisation.health.nsw.gov.au and save the date to vaccinate by downloading the handy SAVE THE DATE Phone App or printing a Personalised Schedule. PATH: 6pp DL SAFE (mm) D\:KAREN WP I2013\MAR 13\13XXXXX M I MUNS I ATO I N_MAR13\SNST0 I034_M I MUNS I ATO I N_BROCHURE_V10_CMYK\SNST0 I034_M I MUNS I ATO I N_BROCHURE_V10_PRN I T_CMYK UPDATED DEADLINE: CREATIVE TEAM DELIVERABLES: PDF / QC / PACKAGE DATE CREATED: 24/10/12 DATE MODIFED: 18 March :40 PM STUDIO35 BRENNAN/LISA-ANNE ACCOUNT TEAM TESS 7242 CHANGES REQ D JOB SPECS TRIM (mm) APPROVAL SNSTI0034_IMMUNISATION_BROCHURE_V10_PRINT_CMYKUPDATED BLEED (mm) PERSONNEL FILE: Save the Date to Vaccinate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Brochure COLOUR STMN / PRMN LISA-ANNE Prev. Users LISA-ANNE NOTES IMAGE LINKS <No intersecting link> 7242 Your child can get their vaccinations from: Aboriginal Medical Services Doctors Some local councils Some community health centres If you are unsure about what services are available in your area, you can contact your nearest Public Health Unit on For more information about immunisation visit immunisation.health.nsw.gov.au and save the date to vaccinate by downloading the handy SAVE THE DATE Phone App or printing a Personalised Schedule. SHPN (SRC) PAGE 26 NSW Health Immunisation Enrolment Tookit Version 1.0

28 8. Templates and Resources Parent enrolment letter [Insert name] Early Childhood Education and Care Service [insert date] Dear [insert name] Re: Child Care Enrolment 2014 I am contacting you regarding your application to enrol your child at the [insert name] Early Childhood Education and Care Service. There are a few documents we require from you to process your child s application. These are: 1. A birth certificate 2. Proof of address 3. Under the NSW Public Health Act 2010, an immunisation record must be provided in order to enrol your child as follows: i. An Immunisation History Statement showing your child s immunisations are up to date (if your child has a medical contraindication for a specific vaccine(s) a Medical Contraindication Form will also be required), or; ii. A Medical Contraindication Form if your child is unable to be immunised with any vaccines due to medical reasons, or; iii. A Conscientious Objection Form (or certified ACIR letter) if your child is unable to be immunised due to religious or philosophical reasons, or; iv. An Immunisation History Form where an immunisation provider has certified that your child is catching up their immunisations. Other immunisation records, such as the Blue Book, a GP Letter or an overseas immunisation record are not acceptable. Immunisation History Statements are sent to each parent/guardian after their child turns 18 months and 4 years of age. You can obtain one at any time by contacting Medicare: n By telephone on n By on acir@medicareaustralia.gov.au n Online at n In person at your local Medicare office, Centrelink office or Child Support Service Centre. Yours sincerely, [insert name] Director [insert name] Early Childhood Education and Care Service Version 1.0 Immunisation Enrolment Tookit NSW Health PAGE 27

29 Resources NSW Health Immunisation webpage The NSW Health Immunisation webpage provides the most up to date information on which immunisations are needed at each milestone. Recent changes to the immunisation schedule and immunisation issues are highlighted under the Important Information section. The most up to date immunisation schedule can be found by clicking on What vaccinations does my child need and when? Web: NSW Health Save the Date to vaccinate website and reminder phone App The Save the Date to vaccinate website provides comprehensive immunisation information including videos, printable personalised immunisation schedule and access to a free reminder phone app. Web: Immunise Australia Program This website provides information on the Australian Government s Immunise Australia Program. It includes a Frequently Asked Questions page that provides information on what vaccines contain, how they work, what the side effects are and more. The Diseases and Programs A-Z provides information on vaccine preventable diseases and there is also a page on Immunisation Related Payments for Parents. Web: Medicare Australian Childhood Immunisation Register On the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register website parents/guardians can request an Immunisation History Statement and find more information about the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register. This website also contains forms for immunisation exemption (for medical contraindication or conscientious objection). Web: services/medicare/ australiannchildhoodnimmunisationnregister The Science of Immunisation: questions and answers (November 2012) This publication by the Australian Academy of Science aims to resolve confusion and uncertainties parents/guardians may have around immunisation. NSW Health: Public Health Legislation This website provides more information on the Public Health Amendment (Vaccination of Children Attending Child Care Facilities) Act 2013 which comes into effect from 1 January Web: default.aspx Web: immunisation.html The Science of Immunisation Questions and Answers November 2012 For a version with full references visit PAGE 28 NSW Health Immunisation Enrolment Tookit Version 1.0

30 9. Local resources Contact your local Public Health Unit on or your Medicare Local for information about local immunisation providers or clinics Version 1.0 Immunisation Enrolment Tookit NSW Health PAGE 29

31 PAGE 30 NSW Health Immunisation Enrolment Tookit Version 1.0

32 NSW MINISTRY OF HEALTH 73 Miller Street NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2060 Tel. (02) Fax. (02) TTY. (02) Produced by: Health Protection NSW NSW Ministry of Health Tel This work is copyright. It may be reproduced in whole or in part for study or training purposes subject to the inclusion of an acknowledgement of the source. It may not be reproduced for commercial usage or sale. Reproduction for purposes other than those indicated above requires written permission from the NSW Ministry of Health. NSW Ministry of Health 2013 SHPN (HP) ISBN Further copies of this document can be downloaded from the NSW Health website November 2013