Following months of national debate on compulsory vaccination amid a surge in measles cases, Italian schoolchildren have been asked not to come to class unless they can prove they've been properly vaccinated.
While children under six can be turned away from the school gates, parents can be fined anywhere up to £425 (€500) if they send their children to school unvaccinated.
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The new law came after a worrying rise in measles cases in the country, but Italian officials say vaccination rates have risen since the immunisations were introduced.
Under Italy's 'Lorenzin law' (named after the health minister who introduced it) children must receive several mandatory vaccinations before they begin their school career.
Chickenpox, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella all have to be safeguarded against.
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Under the new rules children under the age of six will be completely excluded from nursery or kindergarten without proof that they've been vaccinated.
Those between the ages of six and 16 cannot be banned from going to lessons, but parents face fines if they do not comply with the health guidelines.
The deadline for certification was due to be 10th March after a delay - but was extended to Monday, 11th March to avoid the weekend.
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Health Minister, Giulia Grillo, told La Repubblica newspaper: ""Now everyone has had time to catch up."
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