Sydney, 3rd Sept, 2015

I am appalled with the news that a small group in Northern NSW is planning an anti-Vax childcare centre, catering to the children of those who do not want their children to be vaccinated. Northern NSW has one of the lowest vaccination rates.

This is grossly irresponsible and a bad idea.

Vaccination has been proven to prevent several diseases like Whooping cough, Diphtheria, Measles, Tetanus and Meningitis. There is ample evidence for their efficacy and safety. Countless children have been prevented from diseases and lives have been saved.

Anti-vaccination group are relying on flimsy and debunked evidence of no worth. There is no credible evidence that vaccination causes autism or any adverse effect.

NSW Government was absolutely right to commence “No Jab, No Play” policy, because there is significant risk to others if children without vaccination are allowed to be enrolled in such places.

Similarly, Federal Government was right to initiate “No Jab, No Pay” policy to deny family payments to those who refused to vaccinate their children.

“Under the new laws, if children have a medical contraindication to vaccination, are on a recognised catch-up schedule for immunisation, or if the parents or guardians are reluctant to vaccinate on religious or other grounds, the parents or guardian will have to produce Commonwealth forms that have been completed by a GP or nurse immuniser before entrance into a childcare centre.” (From Daily Telegraph, 3rd September, 2015)

NSW Government, Premier and Health Minister, Jillian Skinner, should not allow establishment of Anti-Vax Childcare centres in NSW.

I note that NSW Labor’s Shadow Health Minister, Walt Secord, has already announced NSW Labor’s opposition and offer of bipartisan support for a policy against such childcare centres in NSW.

I can guarantee that no medical professional will support establishment of such anti-Vax childcare centres in NSW and Australia.

Dr Yadu Singh

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