The Federal Government’s $26 million Immunise Australia Budget package aims to ensure busy parents in local areas keep their children’s vaccinations up to date and to dispel immunisation myths.

Local immunisation providers, such as GPs, will be given an incentive to identify children in their practice who are overdue for vaccinations to ensure their immunisations are up-to-date.

The incentive aims to provide greater awareness to parents, of the importance of vaccinations, not only for their children, but for the protection of other children as well.

Federal Health Minister, The Hon. Susan Ley MP, said the vaccination incentives aim to improve public vaccination records and reminder systems.

“Our Government understands the stresses busy parents deal with on a daily basis and missed immunisations are not intentional, which is why we are providing the incentives to support and help keep children up to date with their vaccinations.”

While some parents are still reluctant to immunise their children, Minister Ley claims the ‘no jab, no pay’ measure will ensure parents understand the repercussions and price of their actions.

“It is important parents understand that complacency presents as much as a threat to immunisation rates and the safety of our children, as conscientious objections do.”

This year’s Budget allocated $26 million over the next four years to boost the Federal Government’s Immunise Australia programme.