One document needed by the Department of Education is an up-to-date immunisation card.
Although some parents have chosen not to immunise their children, the department said it is advisable that all children receive their scheduled immunisations as stipulated by the Department of Health.
“This is also in the interest of public health to prevent the spread and becoming infected with communicable diseases such as measles,” said Oupa Bodibe, acting spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE).
He said that children may become infected or spread communicable diseases which could result in serious illness and possible death.
“The GDE supports that all children should receive their scheduled immunisations as stipulated by the Department of Health as it in the child’s best interest and that of the public health,” he added.
He said that parents or caregivers may refuse that their child be vaccinated but they should be informed of the consequences if a child is not immunised and therefore be strongly advised to immunise the child as soon as possible.
With this said, Bodibe added that a school cannot refuse admission based on the parents’ choice not to immunise.
