This past week was World Immunisation Week.
As the fourth person in Western Australia is diagnosed with meningococcal disease, the issue of vaccinations is coming back into the spotlight. For example, with fears that the whooping cough vaccine may be losing its effectiveness, health officials are worried about the increasing numbers of children being afflicted by infectious diseases.
In Ontario, the government has made the vaccination of children a mandatory condition of attending public school. The mandatory list is extensive, and includes nine vaccinations. Around the world, the importance of vaccinations is resulting in efforts to educate and compel caregivers, parents, schools and public authorities to act. Vaccinations are not yet mandatory in states such as NSW, however schools do have certain obligations.
In some Australian states, it is a legal requirement that the principal of a school notifies the relevant health authorities when a student is suffering from a disease such as Meningococcal or Measles. These diseases also present a workplace health and safety risk to teachers and staff at schools.
Primary Schools are also required under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) to request and record the immunisation status of children being enrolled. These records must also be stored in a manner compliant with the new privacy laws.
The issue of child vaccinations can be fraught with difficulties, as the issue of parents who object to vaccinations presents challenges for authorities. For example, recently, a father successfully sought a court order to have his children vaccinated, against the objections of their moths.
The management of vaccinations and infectious diseases requires a raft of policies to deal with children, parents, health authorities and regulatory officials. Is your school prepared?
Poll: Is your school prepared for an infectious disease outbreak?