“No jab, no pay” pays off

The policy has been effective, albeit with modest closure of coverage gaps, and without substantial backlash

In April 1998, the Australian government linked the payment of childcare subsidies (Childcare Assistance and Childcare Cash Rebate) and the Maternity Immunisation Allowance to childhood vaccination status.1 To receive these benefits, families needed to show that their child was fully vaccinated according to the National Immunisation Program Schedule.2 Further, the Victorian government passed legislation in 2015 that required childcare proprietors to record and regularly update the vaccination status of each child in their care, and to restrict admission to children who were up to date (“No jab, no play”).3 Other states have since followed suit.