CHILDCARE centres would be given power to turn away children who are not vaccinated against preventable diseases under legislation introduced by the government.
The Public Health (Childcare Vaccination) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 would legally protect childcare centres who choose to reject enrolments based on a child's immunisation status.
South Maclean mother Narelle Lewis, whose daughter Kodie Lewis, 3, will attend childcare next year, said the vaccine legislation would give her peace of mind.
"I don't want my kids to get sick - I mean I understand some kids out there who can't be immunized due to illnesses but the rest of them should be vaccinated - there's no reason why not unless it's for health reasons," she said.
"You hear about young babies dying of preventable diseases and I don't want that for my kids - I've got five kids and if even one of them got whooping cough it'd be a big thing - all mine are fully vaccinated."
Health Minister Cameron Dick, who introduced the bill to parliament on Wednesday, said it was time to do more to prevent the spread of vaccine preventable diseases like whooping cough and measles.
“Every year, there are tragic cases that highlight the importance of ensuring everyone in your family is fully immunised,” he said.
“Conditions like whooping cough, while usually mild for adults, can have tragic consequences for very young children.
“We want to empower childcare centres to talk to parents about their child’s immunisation needs and encourage families to vaccinate."
Childcare centres would be allowed to still accept children who have not been vaccinated.
Immunisation rates for children in Queensland currently sit at 92 per cent, short of the government's 95 per cent target.
The bill was referred to the health and ambulance services committee, with the government aiming to have it in place from January 1, 2016.
For more information visit www.qld.gov.au/vaccinate or phone 13 43 25 84.
