A healthy start at Meraki
At Meraki Early Learning Centre we are passionate about immunisations for childcare children. In Australia, we are fortunate to have access to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) that provides free vaccinations to all children. Through the success of this program, we have been able to eradicate diseases that had previously been fatal for some children.
The Government has created a schedule for the ages in which your child needs to be vaccinated to offer them the best protection in the early years of their life. Vaccinating children not only helps them but also the less vulnerable members of the community, today and for future generations.
No Jab, No Play
In 2017, the Victorian Government introduced a scheme called "No Jab, No Play". You can find out more information here.
Essentially, if you decide not to vaccinate your child, you will not be eligible to receive Family Tax payments from Services Australia or access Child Care Subsidy (CCS) rebates when attending childcare. CCS rebates make the cost of childcare more affordable for families and may affect your accessibility.
At Meraki Early Learning Centre, we believe in giving children the best start to life and accessing immunisations to support their immature immune systems. Vaccines can be administered at your local GP or vaccination clinic — if you need assistance in finding your closest location, please ask one of our friendly team to help.
You will find the schedule as recommended by the Australian Government here.
National Immunisation Program Schedule
Click the schedule to view the full version on the Australian Government Department of Health website.
Looking for the Vaccination Schedule for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people? View it on the Department of Health website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions parents ask about No Jab, No Play and accessing vaccinations for their child.
What is the No Jab, No Play law?
Introduced by the Victorian Government in 2017, No Jab, No Play requires all children attending early childhood services in Victoria to be up to date with their vaccinations (according to the National Immunisation Program schedule) before they can be enrolled. The law is designed to protect young children — especially babies too young to be fully vaccinated — from preventable diseases.
What documents do I need to provide before my child starts at Meraki?
Before your child's first day, we'll need a current Immunisation History Statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). It must show your child is up to date for their age, on a recognised catch-up schedule, or has a valid medical exemption. You can download the statement through your Medicare online account on myGov, the Express Plus Medicare app, or by calling the AIR on 1800 653 809.
Can my child still attend if they are behind on their vaccinations?
Children who are on a recognised catch-up schedule with their GP or immunisation provider can still be enrolled. We just need an updated AIR Immunisation History Statement noting that catch-up vaccinations are in progress. Our team is happy to help you understand what's needed.
What if my child has a medical reason they can't be vaccinated?
Children with a genuine medical contraindication can still attend. You'll need to provide an AIR Immunisation Medical Exemption form completed by a recognised immunisation provider (usually a GP). Personal, philosophical or religious objections are not accepted under No Jab, No Play.
Will not vaccinating affect my Child Care Subsidy?
Yes. To receive Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and Family Tax Benefit Part A supplements through Services Australia, your child must meet immunisation requirements. Without these payments, the cost of childcare can rise significantly, which may affect your accessibility to care.
Where can I get my child vaccinated?
All vaccines on the National Immunisation Program schedule are free. You can access them through your local GP, council immunisation sessions, community health centres, or Aboriginal Medical Services. If you're not sure where to go, just ask — our team can help you find your closest free vaccination clinic.
How often do I need to provide an updated immunisation record?
We'll ask for an updated AIR Immunisation History Statement each time your child reaches a new vaccination milestone (typically at 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 4 years). This keeps our records current and ensures your child's place is protected under No Jab, No Play.
What if there is an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease?
If a case of measles, whooping cough or another vaccine-preventable illness is identified at the centre, the Department of Health may require unimmunised children (including those on a catch-up schedule) to stay home for the duration of the exclusion period. This is to protect them and the wider community.
Are educators at Meraki vaccinated too?
Yes. We follow current health recommendations for early childhood educators, including routine adult immunisations such as whooping cough (pertussis) and influenza, to help keep our children, families and team healthy.
Where can I learn more?
The Better Health Channel and the Australian Government Department of Health both have detailed, up-to-date information about No Jab, No Play and the National Immunisation Program. The links throughout this page will take you straight to those resources, or feel free to chat with our team any time.
Have another question? Get in touch with our team.
Questions about immunisation requirements?
Our team is happy to help you understand what's needed to enrol your child and where to access free vaccinations in your area.