Benefits may be linked to kids' jabs
The Government is considering requiring beneficiaries to immunise their children.
Extracts from an article by Isaac Davison and Kate Shuttleworth on 12th May 2012 on nzherald.co.nz
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett told the Herald:
"We see immunisations as important so when you're looking at those kinds of things, you question at what point should a social obligation be part of a requirement to get a benefit.
"Ministers have not made a decision on it, but it is certainly something we are discussing."
Under any changes, beneficiaries would be able to opt out of immunisation for conscientious reasons. But it would change the social obligation of people on welfare to vaccinate their children.
A Welfare Working Group recommended last year that the children of parents receiving a benefit should have to meet minimum health standards, including completion of the immunisation schedule.
