Immunisation Policy

Introduction

This policy outlines the immunisation requirements and guidelines for The Pal Buddhist School in New South Wales. We aim to create a safe and healthy learning environment for all students and staff, adhering to government regulations. Immunisation is vital for public health, effectively reducing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). As a community space, our school has a responsibility to maintain high immunisation rates, protecting everyone. This document will briefly explain immunisation's role in safeguarding populations from infectious diseases.

This policy applies to all students at The Pal Buddhist School, from preschool to secondary levels, and extends to staff and visitors. It details enrolment procedures, immunisation record maintenance, protocols for unimmunised individuals, strategies for VPD outbreaks, and communication with parents and guardians. We recognise the distinct regulations for early childhood education compared to primary and secondary schools, ensuring clear application of this policy.

The Pal Buddhist School is guided by these principles: prioritising a safe and healthy environment, complying with New South Wales legislation and health guidelines, using evidence-based practices, respecting parental rights while focusing on community health, and ensuring equitable access to education while preventing VPD transmission.

Legislative Framework and Guidelines

Our immunisation policy is based on New South Wales legislative framework and guidelines.

The NSW Public Health Act 2010 and its Regulations are central. Section 86 requires principals to request immunisation certificates upon enrolment and as needed, recording student immunisation status. While mandatory for primary and secondary schools, enrolment is not contingent on certificate provision.

Section 85 defines key terms like "authorised practitioner," "child," "immunisation certificate" (including statements from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)), "immunisation status," "NSW Immunisation Schedule," "parent," "principal," "school," and "vaccine preventable disease." During outbreaks, principals must notify the Public Health Unit and follow their directions regarding "child at risk" exclusion (including those without immunisation certificates). The Public Health Regulation 2012 provides implementation details, such as certificate retention periods.

NSW Health Guidelines for Schools offer operational guidance. The NSW School Vaccination Program provides free vaccinations to Year 7 (dTpa and HPV) and Year 10 (meningococcal ACWY) students. Parental consent, ideally via the NSW Health online portal, is required. Schools facilitate this program by liaising with the Public Health Unit, distributing information, and providing suitable venues.

For enrolment, NSW Health specifies acceptable documentation. Preschool enrolment requires an approved immunisation certificate (AIR Immunisation History Statement, Medical Exemption Form, or History Form with a catch-up schedule). Primary and secondary schools request the Statement, but enrolment is not contingent on it. Overseas records are not directly accepted; parents should consult a GP for AIR reporting.

NSW Health also guides VPD outbreak management, emphasising prompt Public Health Unit notification and unimmunised student exclusion. This exclusion may apply to unimmunised students with out-of-school contact with confirmed cases.

The National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule guides recommended vaccination ages.

While the Association of Independent Schools NSW (AISNSW) offers general information, we will monitor any specific recommendations they issue.

Enrolment Procedures and Immunisation Requirements

Our enrolment procedures include specific immunisation requirements, particularly for preschool.

Preschool enrolment requires an approved immunisation certificate: AIR Immunisation History Statement (up-to-date vaccinations), Medical Exemption Form (GP certified), or History Form (catch-up schedule). Catch-up schedules provide temporary enrolment (six months). Enrolment is not permitted without this documentation, except for temporary exemptions (Aboriginal children, natural disaster evacuees, out-of-home care), typically for twelve weeks. 

Unvaccinated children due to conscientious objection are not eligible for preschool enrolment. We maintain a register of preschool children's immunisation status for three years post-departure.

Primary and secondary school enrolment differs. Parents provide an Immunisation History Statement, but enrolment is not contingent on it. However, unimmunised students may be excluded during VPD outbreaks. We accept the same forms of evidence as for preschool. We record each child’s immunisation status in a register and retain certificates for three years post-departure.

Across all levels, we accept AIR Immunisation History Statements (obtainable via Medicare), Medical Exemption Forms (GP certified), and History Forms (catch-up schedule, temporary for preschool). Vaccination Record Cards ("Blue Books") are supplementary if in English, dated, stamped, and signed by a doctor. Serology reports may be considered in consultation with NSW Health. Personal Health Records, GP letters, and overseas records are not accepted; overseas vaccinations should be reported to the AIR by a GP.

We maintain a confidential register of all students’ immunisation status. Approved documentation is retained for three years post-departure. The register includes student details and immunisation status. Access is limited to authorised staff and NSW Health officers. We provide copies of immunisation certificates to transferring schools upon request. The School Health Officer manages the register, ensuring security and confidentiality.

Management of Non-Immunised Students

For primary and secondary schools, we cannot refuse enrolment based solely on immunisation status. We record students without certificates as "not fully immunised" or "unknown."

During VPD outbreaks, we follow Public Health Unit directions, excluding unimmunised students and those with unknown status. This protects unimmunised students and prevents spread. Exclusion duration is determined by the Public Health Unit. Unimmunised students with out-of-school contact with confirmed cases may also be excluded during incubation periods. We use the immunisation register to identify these students and communicate exclusion requirements to parents. The Public Health Unit advises on return-to-school procedures.

We proactively communicate with parents of non-immunised students, informing them about potential exclusion during outbreaks and providing immunisation information and resources. During outbreaks, we promptly notify parents of excluded students about the exclusion period and return requirements. We emphasise education and awareness about immunisation’s role in public health, while clearly outlining exclusion protocols.

School-Based Vaccination Programs

We support public health initiatives and facilitate the NSW School Vaccination Program for eligible students. This program offers free vaccinations (dTpa, HPV for Year 7; meningococcal ACWY for Year 10). We collaborate with the Public Health Unit to schedule clinics, assist with information dissemination and consent form collection, and provide suitable venues. The School Health Officer coordinates the program.

Parental consent, ideally via the NSW Health online portal, is required for school-based vaccinations. Paper-based forms are available for those without Medicare or internet access. Consent can be withdrawn before vaccination. Students 18+ can provide their own consent. We comply with NSW Health guidelines and legal requirements.

NSW Health uploads vaccination details to the AIR. We may maintain internal records to track participation and follow-up. Parents should refer to the AIR for comprehensive vaccination records.

Managing Outbreaks of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Effective VPD outbreak management ensures community health and safety.

For suspected or confirmed cases, we immediately notify the Public Health Unit (1300 066 055), providing relevant details. Notifiable diseases include Diphtheria, Hib, Measles, Meningococcal disease, Mumps, Pertussis, Polio, Rubella, and Tetanus.

We adhere to Public Health Unit exclusion protocols, likely excluding unimmunised students at risk. The Public Health Unit advises on exclusion periods. We communicate exclusion requirements to parents, providing disease information and anticipated duration. Fully vaccinated students generally continue attending unless advised otherwise. We maintain close communication with the Public Health Unit.

We provide timely and informative communication to the school community about confirmed outbreaks, maintaining privacy. We share factual disease information, control measures, and advice for monitoring symptoms. Communication is guided by the Public Health Unit.

We consistently reinforce hygiene and infection control measures, including hand washing, cough etiquette, and surface disinfection.

Communicating the Immunisation Policy

We use a multi-faceted communication strategy to inform the school community about our immunisation policy.

We make the policy accessible via the school website, enrolment packs, and hard copies upon request.

We provide vaccination information via newsletters, including NIP schedule and NSW School Vaccination Program details. We may organise information sessions and provide links to reliable resources.

We address parental concerns respectfully and informatively. Staff are trained to provide accurate information and guidance. We direct medical questions to GPs or the Public Health Unit.

We provide translated information where appropriate, recognizing our diverse linguistic background.

Policy Implementation and Review

Successful implementation relies on clear roles, confidentiality, and regular review.

Roles include: Principal (overall implementation), Enrolment Officer (immunisation information collection), School Health Officer (register maintenance, outbreak communication, Public Health Unit liaison), and all staff (adherence to guidelines).

We uphold confidentiality and privacy, adhering to relevant legislation. Access to the register is restricted to authorised staff and NSW Health officers.

We review the policy every two years, or more frequently as needed, to ensure currency and compliance. The Principal leads the review, consulting with relevant staff.

We are committed to a safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environment. This immunisation policy protects our community from VPD risks.

Immunisation is a safe and effective public health intervention, protecting individuals and the community. We encourage all eligible students to follow the NIP schedule.

We believe student health is a shared responsibility, requiring collaboration between the school, parents, and public health authorities.