Australia will deny welfare payments to parents who don't vaccinate their children

The MMR vaccine is almost 100 percent effective in preventing the disease.
(Image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Australia has taken a stand against the anti-vaccination movement.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has announced what he's calling a "no jab, no pay" policy, where parents who refuse to vaccinate their children won't be given government welfare benefits. The law is expected to take effect early next year.

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.