This is one childcare rule we can get behind.

Now this is a rule for childcare centres we can really get behind.

Victoria is set to introduce a “no jab, no play” policy for childcare centres — effectively mandating immunisation for some kids in childcare in the state.

The laws — which follow in the footsteps of NSW — mean day care centres and preschools have the right to prohibit children from attending if they haven’t been vaccinated.

Parents who do not want to vaccinate their children will have to gain a conscientious objector certificate from their doctor, who must give the parents counselling and make them aware of the risks of failing to vaccinate their child.

The Australian reports Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy said work had already begun on the legislation.

“We are in fact doing work at the moment in the department of health on the no-jab-no-play policy,” Ms Hennessy said. “We need to ensure that children are vaccinated. It is dangerous not to vaccinate your children.”

The law could come into effect as early as next year, the newspaper reports.

The topic drew some heated opinions on Studio 10 this morning, with Kerry Chikarovski suggesting: “If you’re a conscientious objector… go set up your own childcare centre.”

Host Joe Hildebrand agreed, jokingly suggesting parents who didn’t agree with vaccinations should go “live up a tree” so as not to endanger other kids.

The move towards a “no jab, no play” policy in Victoria comes as Labor announces that parents with newborns will soon have access to free whooping cough vaccinations.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Health Minister Jill Hennessy have announced that the tender process had begun for the $8.4 million free vaccinations  scheme —  which represents a bid to stem a rise in cases of the potentially fatal condition, the Herald Sun reports.

The free vaccination program existed previously, but was scrapped in 2012 by the former government.

Whooping cough cases increased from 2926 in 2013 to 4615 in 2014, Mr Andrews said.

In 2013, NSW “no jab no play” laws came into effect, ensuring that childcare centres in could be fined up to $4000 if they enrol a child who has not been vaccinated against preventable diseases.

Under those reforms, Amendments to the Public Health Act made the checking of vaccine records compulsory, and gave staff the power to turn away those who aren’t up to date with their vaccinations.

In NSW, parents are now only be able to apply for exemptions on the basis of GP advice that shows vaccines would be harmful to the child or if it is against their religion, the Daily Telegraph reports.