Parents will be forced to either vaccinate their children or register for an exemption in order to enrol them in childcare, after changes to the Public Health Act passed through cabinet Monday night.

The changes mean parents or guardians must provide evidence their child is fully vaccinated for age, is on a recognised catch-up schedule, or has an exemption approved by a doctor when they enrol their child.

Parents have been told to vaccinate their children or get a certificate of exemption in order to enrol in childcare. Credit:AFP

To get an exemption, parents will have to receive counselling and fill out forms along with their doctor. Valid exemptions include personal, philosophical or religious beliefs.