child vaccination
IN PHOTO. According to the latest Galaxy Poll, 86 per cent of all Australians want childhood vaccination to be compulsory Reuters/ Dmitry Naumov

Australian lawmakers are making a bid to make vaccination compulsory in the country. The move can greatly benefit families throughout the country as people do not have to worry about themselves or their children getting infected in school or at work. Here are five things you should know about the proposal to make vaccination compulsory in Australia.

1. Vaccination is currently not a requirement for school entry. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is proposing for registration of vaccination status to become mandatory. People who refuse to follow the vaccination schedule are asked to register as a Conscientious Objector or to obtain a medical or religious exemption, based on a report by VaccinationAwareness.com.au.

2. There is a debate between the AMA and Australian Vaccination Network (AVN). The AVN is on an anti-vaccination campaign, saying that parents who have their children immunized can actually jeopardize their child’s health.

3. The proposal was triggered by low immunization rates among children. Based on new data on immunization in Australia, the AMA discovered that several local places in the big cities in Australia have very low immunization rates among children, putting them at risk for acquiring deadly diseases.

4. Many parents actually chose not to have their kids vaccinated. Lawmakers are pushing the compulsory vaccination of individuals in Australia because parents who are particularly interested in their child’s development have been adopting practices that aim to keep their child healthy. According to these parents, immunization can lead to more harm to their children by exposing their bodies to pathogens, based on a report by News.com. Chiropractors and homeopaths have been the ones dissuading parents to have their children vaccinated and encouraging them to opt for alternative therapies instead.

5. The government is making steps to improve the number of people being immunized. A measles vaccination was implemented and supported by the Australian government beginning in 2014, which should be given to children at 18 months old. Creating a program that requires fewer shots might induce more parents to have their children protected.

The battle between the AMA and AVN is still ongoing, although a recent poll shows that over 80 percent of Australians are in favor of compulsory vaccination. The campaign primarily encourages parents to minimize the risks for acquiring various lethal diseases.

To contact the writer of this story, send an email to vdoctor@ibtimes.com.au