In 2016, the previously known Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) expanded to an all of life register and became known as the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). It is a national register recording the immunisations of all Australians of all ages.

Why should vaccines be recorded?

The AIR records any vaccine doses administered, the date of administration and the specific brands given.  It also identifies any vaccines that are due or overdue according to the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Immunisation history statements (IHS) can also be generated from AIR.

For families accessing Family Tax Benefit Part A payments or childcare subsidies, a child’s AIR record needs to show that immunisations are up to date to ensure that payments are not reduced.

In order to confirm enrolment into early childhood education and care services (including childcare and kindergarten), an up to date IHS from AIR must be produced.

A comprehensive reporting of all vaccinations administered, helps to increase vaccination coverage rates and the effectiveness of the NIP.

Who can record immunisations?

Any recognised immunisation provider can record vaccines onto AIR.

What vaccines should be recorded?

All vaccines administered since January 1 1996 can be recorded onto AIR. This includes all vaccines on the NIP, influenza and travel vaccines, as well as any additional vaccines given to an individual (eg. tetanus vaccines given for tetanus prone wounds, Boostrix® in pregnancy, meningococcal B vaccines etc). Any vaccines given overseas can and should also be recorded.

In 2021, a legislation change came into effect mandating the reporting of all NIP, influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to AIR.

Immunisation exemptions and catch up plans

All approved immunisation exemptions and recognised catch up plans are documented onto AIR to ensure that immunisation records are accurate.

Do patients need to be eligible for medicare in order to have an AIR record?

No. Everyone can have an AIR record. If a person does not have medicare, immunisations can still be recorded based on name, date of birth and address.

Immunisation history statements

An IHS can be used to keep track of vaccines that have been given, that are due or that are overdue. All medical exemptions are noted on an IHS. IHS is the only acceptable form of documentation when enroling into early childhood education and care services.

How do I access my own AIR record?

Statements can be accessed using a Medicare online account through myGov. Alternatively, copies may be obtained from any immunisation provider or the AIR enquiries line.

Resources

Author: Rachael McGuire (MVEC, Education Nurse Coordinator)

Reviewed by: Rachael McGuire (MVEC, Education Nurse Coordinator)

Date: February 2021

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.