2.6.2.30 CCS - immunisation approved exemptions

Medical contraindication

A recognised immunisation provider must certify in writing on the approved Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) Immunisation medical exemption form (IM011) that the child does not require immunisation because the child has acquired a natural immunity as a result of contracting a disease or diseases.

Generally, a natural immunity exemption will only be applied to a specific antigen (not the whole schedule). A natural immunity exemption should be applied for life (based on the clinical assessment of a recognised immunisation provider).

Refusal of consent to vaccination:

• evidence of a formal or informal care arrangement between the primary carer and the individual with legal authority to vaccinate the child to show proof of care, and
• if the child is aged under 14 years, evidence that the individual with legal authority to vaccinate the child does not give authority for the child to be vaccinated, or evidence that authority has not been provided within a reasonable timeframe (e.g. statutory declaration from carer and letter from authority that the person with legal authority has not provided consent), or
• if the child is aged 14 years or over, evidence that the child does not consent or has not given consent in a reasonable timeframe to being immunised (e.g. statutory declaration from carer or a letter from a recognised immunisation provider that the child has refused).

Note: Where biological parents of the child/ren are separated and there is a court order in place that includes a clause stating both parents are unable to vaccinate their child/ren without agreement from the other parent an exemption from immunisation may be approved with evidence. If the biological parents of the child/ren are separated and there is no court order in place, either parent may exercise their parental responsibilities, either independently or jointly, regarding making medical decisions such as choosing to vaccinate.

Risk of family violence (1.1.F.15):

• individuals must be referred to a Centrelink social worker and each case will be assessed on a case by case basis. Applicable documentation is to be determined by the Centrelink social worker.

Permanent humanitarian visa holder:

• the individual's new permanent humanitarian visa, and
• evidence the child has been in Australia (1.1.A.120) for less than 6 months.

Note: The individual may also have evidence that they intend to have their child immunised or put on a catch up schedule according to the current Australian Immunisation Handbook (e.g. evidence of an appointment with a recognised immunisation provider).

Child would be at increased risk (1.1.A.110) of serious abuse or neglect:

• an approved provider's (1.1.A.90) eligibility for ACCS (child wellbeing) is being assessed, and
• an application in the form and manner deemed appropriate by the Secretary will be required in support of an exemption.

Unacceptable risk of harm to the child or a person administering the vaccination

• a listed medical practitioner (1.1.M.40) has certified in writing, on an approved form, that immunisation of the child would result in an unacceptable risk of physical harm to the child or a person administering a vaccination to the child, and
• the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer has certified in writing that he or she agrees with the listed medical practitioner.

Note: A recipient (1.1.R.07) can seek referral to a listed medical practitioner through a general practitioner or a state or territory health department.