Where a person’s immunisations are not up to date with the National Immunisation Program (NIP), it is important to arrange a catch up schedule for immunisations to be completed in the shortest and most effective time frame to ensure protection against vaccine preventable diseases.
Prior to commencing a catch up schedule, written documentation of any previous immunisations should be obtained where possible. Documentation could include the Immunisation History Statement (AIH) from AIR, personal immunisation records (ie: green book) or medical records. Overseas records may need translating.
Serology is not routinely recommended prior to catch up immunisation.
All refugee and humanitarian entrants including asylum seekers are eligible for free catch up immunisations [see resources].
Please be aware that some individuals may be recommended to receive additional immunisations due to predisposing conditions or at risk circumstances. For further queries please contact MVEC here.
For individuals <10 years of age
Australian Immunisation Handbook: catch up calculator
For individuals aged 10 years to 19 years
Victorian immunisation catch-up tool
Refugee and asylum seekers
The Victorian DHHS and Health Translations has an excellent resource for catch up immunisations in refugees and asylum seekers. It has been translated into more than 10 languages (see Catch up vaccinations for refugees and asylum seekers in Victoria).
Resources
- DHHS: Victorian immunisation schedule and eligibility criteria for free vaccines
- Vaccine history timeline in Australia
- Australian Immunisation Handbook: Catch up vaccination
- Victorian Refugee Health Network
- Vaccine schedule by country
Authors: Nigel Crawford (Paediatrician, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne) and Rachael McGuire (SAEFVIC Research Nurse, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute)
Reviewed by: Rachael McGuire (MVEC Education Nurse Coordinator)
Date: January 31, 2022
Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC) staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.
You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family’s personal health. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult a healthcare professional.