We support the immunisation of children, before they enter Kindergarten in NSW Public Schools, to protect them against outbreaks of infectious diseases.
When enrolling a child, parents/caregivers will be asked to provide an Immunisation History Statement. The Immunisation History Statement can be obtained by contacting the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809. A child without an Immunisation History Statement will not be prevented from enrolling. Under the NSW Public Health Act 1991, however, children without proof of immunisation may be asked by Public Health Officials to stay at home during an outbreak of vaccine-preventable disease.
Infectious and contagious diseases
Primary school students who do not have proof of immunisation may have to stay at home during an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease at school. Particular arrangements will be worked out by the local public health unit in consultation with the school. Schools may notify parents of the outbreak so that families are aware of the symptoms. Below is a table showing the more common infectious diseases in children and the period they must be excluded.
Please advise the office immediately if your child is diagnosed with any infectious disease.
Chicken Pox |
Excluded for 5 days from the onset of the rash and the blisters have dried. |
Conjunctivitis |
Excluded until discharge from eyes has ceased. |
Gastroenteritis |
Excluded for 24 hours after diarrhoea stops. |
German Measles |
Excluded for at least 4 days after the rash appears. |
Glandular Fever |
No exclusion unless sick |
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease |
Excluded until the blisters have dried. |
Hepatitis A |
Excluded for 2 weeks after the first symptoms or 1 week after the onset of jaundice. |
Impetigo |
Excluded until treatment starts. Sores should be covered with watertight dressings. |
Measles |
Excluded for 4 days after the rash appears. |
Meningococcal Disease |
Seek medical attention immediately. The patient will need hospital treatment. |
Mumps |
Excluded for 9 days from the onset of swelling |
Ringworm
|
Excluded until the day after fungal treatment has begun. |
Rubella |
Excluded until fully recovered and for at least 6 days after the rash appears. |
Scabies |
Excluded until the day after the treatment has begun. |
Scarlet Fever |
Excluded until at least 24 hours of treatment has begun and the child is feeling better. |
Slapped Cheek |
No exclusion as it is most infectious before rash appears. |
Whooping Cough |
If the child has not received any antibiotic treatment then the child should be kept away from school for 3 weeks from the onset of the "whoop". If appropriate and where antibiotic treatment is given the child only needs to be kept away from school for 5 days from the onset of erythromycin therapy. |