About the Immunisation Register

What is the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register?

The Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (the Immunisation Register) is a national register administered by Medicare Australia that records details of vaccinations given to children under seven years of age who live in Australia . It was established in 1996 in response to a decline in childhood immunisation levels and an increase in preventable childhood diseases.

What are the benefits of the Immunisation Register?

• You can get a copy of your child's immunisation details at any time.
• These details can help with eligibility for some Australian Government family assistance payments.
• You are automatically sent an immunisation history statement when your child turns eighteen months, and five years of age, or you can request one at any time.
• Health professionals can track immunisation levels in Australia.

Why is immunisation so important?

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting your child against harmful diseases that can cause serious complications and sometimes death. Immunisation will help your child stay healthy. If your child hasn’t been immunised or has missed a vaccination, it’s easy to catch up - just ask your doctor or immunisation provider.

Where can I have my child vaccinated?

Vaccinations can be given by your doctor, immunisation clinic and some hospitals.

How do I enrol my child on the Immunisation Register?

Children who are under seven years of age and enrolled in Medicare are automatically included on the Immunisation Register. If your child isn’t enrolled in Medicare, they will be added to the Immunisation Register once we receive their immunisation details from your doctor or immunisation provider.

How is the Immunisation Register used?

Health professionals use the Immunisation Register to monitor immunisation coverage levels and service delivery, and to identify regions at risk during disease outbreaks. Immunisation Register data also:

• enables immunisation providers and parents or guardians to check on the immunisation status of an individual child, regardless of where the child was immunised
• forms the basis of an optional immunisation history statement which informs parents and guardians of their child’s recorded immunisation history
• provides information about a child’s immunisation status to help determine eligibility for the Australian Government’s Child Care Benefit and Maternity Immunisation Allowance family assistance payments
• provides information for the delivery of incentive payments and feedback reports to eligible immunisation providers.

How is the Immunisation Register updated?

Your doctor or immunisation provider sends information about your child's vaccinations to the Immunisation Register. You can call us on 1800 653 809 to check that your child's vaccination details have been received.

Last updated: 21 September, 2009