Federal Nationals Member for Page, Ian Causley, is encouraging parents to keep track of their child’s immunisation history as the 2007 school year begins.

Mr Causley said with the help of Medicare Australia, parents could make sure their children were up-to-date with their vaccinations through the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register.

“Medicare Australia can help parents make sure their kids are immunised from birth right through to their early school years.

“Many parents find tracking their child’s immunisation difficult, but registering their immunisation record with Medicare Australia can make this much easier,” Mr Causley said.

Mr Causley said that parents often have to provide proof of their child’s immunisation when they enrol at school and this is something Medicare Australia can also help with. He also warned that children had a higher risk of catching diseases when they start school because they begin interacting with a larger group.

“It is so important now that the 2007 school year has started that parents consider getting their child’s immunisation up-to-date.

“The Immunisation Register provides a national database of vaccinations given to children under the age of seven living in Australia. Parents can request their child’s immunisation history statement online, in a Medicare office or over the phone.

“If children are immunised properly, they are vaccinated against diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough and polio – diseases that can be very serious,” he said.

Approximately 621,750 children in NSW are recorded on the national immunisation register, while more than 1.8 million children nationally are registered.
Further information on the Immunisation Register can be found at www.medicareaustralia.gov.au, or by calling 1800 653 809.