The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013

Immunisation History Statements can be used to assist in recalling vaccination
history when required. For example:
• for school enrolment – a sentence will be displayed at the bottom of the
Statement that says the child has received all the vaccinations required by
5 years of age
• to determine eligibility for the Child Care Benefit and the Family Tax
Benefit Part A supplement – this requires that children are assessed as
fully immunised; this replaced the Maternity Immunisation Allowance on
1 July 2012.
The ACIR Enquiry Line can be contacted on 1800 653 809 (free call) and any
record held for a person who is now ≥7 years of age can be made available to an
immunisation service provider or parent/carer.
Recording details of a deceased child
The ACIR should be notified of the death of a child to prevent an Immunisation
History Statement being sent to bereaved parents/carers. Advice of a child’s
death can be provided to the ACIR by calling 1800 653 809 (free call), or by
sending details on practice stationery. Details should include the child’s name,
address, date of birth, Medicare number and date of death.
Children who have moved to live overseas
A child who has moved overseas can be removed from the ACIR by sending
details to the ACIR by fax, phone or secure site email. This prevents the child’s
name continuing to appear on ACIR reports of overdue children.
Children born overseas who have moved to live in Australia permanently
A child born overseas who has moved permanently to Australia will be
automatically added to the ACIR upon enrolment with Medicare. Children
residing temporarily in Australia are not included on the ACIR.
Ascertaining individual vaccination status
Parents/carers can telephone the ACIR on 1800 653 809 (free call) for information
about their child’s vaccination status, regardless of where the child’s vaccination
was given. Immunisation service providers can also request a child’s vaccination
status by telephone.
Vaccination coverage and other reports
ACIR reports assess progress towards national targets, help to identify areas with
low vaccination levels, and assist in planning vaccination programs.
Practices can receive quarterly reports on vaccination coverage for children
within their practice. Other reports, including those that identify a child’s
vaccinations and due/overdue details, are available through the secure area
of the ACIR Internet site (https://www1.medicareaustralia.gov.au/ssl/
acircirssamn) to approved immunisation service providers.
100 The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th edition