Child Care Benefit and Immunization

[1+1=5]

i got a letter from centrelink after we changed daycare centres about the percentage they can cover etc. anyway, ont he back i read this:

'If you are claiming Child Care Benefit for children born on or after January 1996, they must be immunised or have an approved exeption from immunisation.'

so what is an "approved exemption from immunisation"?

[mummyof5]

It's called a "contientious objection" form. YOu go to medicare and they will give you one, then you have to get a gp to sign it to say they have explained to you all about the "benefits" of immunisation. Once it is signed you take it to medicare and lodge it, then you will still get your immunisation allowance even though you haven't immunised your child. I think it is the same form they fill in if your child is allergic to the meds in the shots too. Your gp may be able to download it off the net instead of you going to medicare to get it, mine did. If you don't immunise you will have to request the copy of this form back for daycare/school.
Of course if your little boy is already immunised you don't need to worry about it!:D
Hope this helped.

[V8]

I knew about the concientous objection form, but wasn't sure who i needed to hand it to or anything to claim the childcare benefit. The childcare provider is aware that DS is not immunised and didn't mention it, so i guess once i fill out the form and get my doc to sign it, they should inform centrelink of this. The guy at centrelink gave me the number for the ACIR - Australian Childhood Immunisation Register which is 1800 653 809. They will tell you what requirements you need aswell, i'm going to phone them to find out. Maybe give them a call too to make sure you are sending the right info to the right people. :D

Also here is the link to the concientious objection form to be filled out:

http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/resources/acir/ma_conscientious_objection_form.pdf

If you haven't already done so....

[1+1=5]

Thank you! at least i know what to do now.