From 2016 anyone who doesn’t vaccinate their kids because of ‘‘conscientious objections’’ will no longer be eligible for childcare and welfare benefits.

However, a religious exemption is still available for Christian Scientists if a church official writes to the government to declare them a practising member of the religion.

Social Services Minister Scott Morrison has been at great pains to avoid naming the church - the only official religious exemption - since the announcement about vaccinations was made on Sunday.

‘‘I’m not in the business of promoting the exemptions other than medical that would enable people to avoid taking the responsibility for having their children immunised,’’ he told reporters on Wednesday, adding the information was on his department’s website.

The growth in recent years of people refusing vaccinations had nearly all come from conscientious objectors, he said.

‘‘If I believe that there are other exemptions, whether it be a religious or another, which are being abused, I will shut it down,’’ Mr Morrison said.

Meanwhile, federal Labor wants parents who won’t immunise their kids to be labelled ‘‘vaccine refusers’’ rather than ‘‘conscientious objectors’’.

‘‘There is nothing conscientious about parents irresponsibly denying their children, and other children, the protection vaccination brings,’’ Labor’s deputy leader Tanya Plibersek said.

AAP