From 1 January 2016, notifications of medical contraindications and natural immunity will NOT be accepted on practice/GP letterhead and must be provided on the approved ACIR Immunisation Medical Exemption Form.
The form includes guidance for general practitioners on what is, and is not, considered a valid reason for a medical exemption.
Medical contraindications to vaccination are rare. The medical basis for vaccination exemption is based on guidance in the Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th edition.
Natural immunity to hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella must be confirmed via laboratory testing or physician based clinical diagnosis. Exemption to a combination vaccine on the bases of natural immunity is only valid if immunity is confirmed for all vaccine antigens.
Conscientious objection (vaccination objection on non-medical grounds) is no longer a valid exemption from the immunisation requirements.