POOR JAB RATES TURNING PREP PARENTS AWAY FROM SCHOOLS

LOW vaccination rates are a big turn-off for Gold Coast parents selecting schools for their five-year-olds, with government data showing as many as two children per class are unprotected.

Almost one in three parents say they would not send their child to a wellregarded school if it had a poor vaccination rate.

Comparison site finder.com.au surveyed more than 2000 parents of primary-aged children about their biggest deterrents when it comes to school selection.

The fear of dangerous, contagious disease raised a red flag for 28 per cent.This was more of a concern for mothers than fathers.

“Alongside vaccination rates, things such as academic performance, distance from home and canteen hygiene are also influencers,” Bessie Hassan from finder.com.au said.

Haley Hughes from Mermaid Waters said she was carefully considering the best school for her son Harry, who is still in kindy.

“The most important thing for me is individual learning where all kinds of natural talents are encouraged,” she said. “A strong anti-bullying policy is also a priority.”