Many children first enter early childhood education and care services at a time when their immune systems are still developing. They may not have been exposed to the common germs that cause infections before and they may be too young to be vaccinated against some diseases.

The way that children interact means that diseases can quickly spread in a variety of ways. Children (particularly younger children) will have close physical contact with other children through play; they often put objects in their mouths; and they may not always cover their coughs and sneezes.

Simple steps can reduce the chance that childhood infections spread to other people in the family and in childhood education and care services, and to vulnerable people in the community.

We have provided you with a Facts Sheet about Stopping the Spread of Childhood Infections.