Independent Schools Victoria Compliance Framework

Requirements under the Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 2001 (Vic.).

Infectious diseases

Please scroll to the bottom of the page for contacts and links

Do you need to comply?

Yes - under the provisions of the Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 2001 (Vic.).

Conditions of compliance

Principals are required to exclude students according to the School Exclusion table under the Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 2001 (Vic.).

If you have to comply, what do you have to do?

The regulations require the parent/guardian to inform the principal as soon as practicable if the child is infected with any of the diseases listed in the table, or has been in contact with an infected person. It should be noted that in cases of diphtheria, typhoid and paratyphoid fever, exclusion and determination of recovery will be matters for the municipal medical officer of health.

Patients or contacts shall be prevented from attending school unless they comply with the conditions prescribed in the exclusion table.

It should be noted that during outbreaks of diseases prescribed in the table principals are to direct parents/guardians of students who are not immunised to keep their children at home for the recommended period.

Vaccine preventable diseases

Regulation 13(2) of the Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 2001 requires the principal teacher or person in charge of a school or children's services centre to notify the Department of Human Services (DHS), as well as the parent or guardian of the child, if they believe a child is suffering from a vaccine preventable disease, in order to receive instructions on the exclusion of the child. Prior to exclusion of the child the school should call the DHS Communicable Disease Control Unit on 1300 651 160 to obtain information on the disease and ensure any exclusions are made based on firm medical evidence of the diagnosis of a vaccine preventable disease.

What are the consequences if you don't comply?

You may be in breach of the Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 2001 (Vic.)

Who will help you?

Independent Schools Victoria contact:

Sue Nilsen
Student Services Manager
Ph. 03 9825 7203
sue.nilsen@ais.vic.edu.au

Other links:

DEECD: Victorian Government Schools Reference Guide Section 4.5.8

DHS Communicable Disease Control Unit - telephone 1300 651 160

DHS: Infectious diseases regulations & School Exclusion table

Better Health Channel (fact sheets, health information)

"You've Got What?" (Publication on the prevention and control of notifiable and other infectious diseases in children and adults - South Australian Department of Health)

Submitted 7/24/2006, edited 12/18/2007.