The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013

5. If any variations to the schedule are necessary due to recorded factors (e.g. a
child who is immunocompromised may require different vaccines), adjust the
‘number of doses required’ accordingly.
6. For each vaccine, compare the number of doses received, as recorded in the
‘Last dose given’ column, with the number of doses required for the child’s
current age.
7. If the child has already received the number of doses required for a
particular vaccine, cross through the relevant ‘Dose number due now’ and
‘Further doses’ columns. Ensure that the minimum acceptable interval has
been observed for all doses previously received, particularly if the child
commenced their vaccination program overseas.
8. If the number of doses received, as recorded in the ‘Last dose given’ column,
is less than the number of doses required, administer a dose of the relevant
vaccine now, and record this in the ‘Dose number due now’ column. If
this dose still does not complete the required doses, enter the further dose
numbers in the ‘Further doses’ column.
9. To schedule the next dose at the most appropriate time (usually at the
earliest opportunity), refer to Table 2.1.7 for the minimum acceptable interval
required between doses. Record when the next dose is due in the ‘Further
doses’ column.
10. Convert this information into a list of proposed appointment dates,
detailing vaccines and dose number needed at each visit on the ‘Catch-up
appointments’ section of the worksheet.
11. Record this catch-up schedule in your provider records and provide a copy to
the child’s parent/carer.
12. Once a child has received relevant catch-up vaccines, give the remaining
scheduled vaccines as per the recommended NIP schedule. For example, for a
12-month-old child who is brought up to date with all vaccines including the
12-month vaccinations, the 2nd dose of MMR-containing vaccine should be
given at 18 months of age, not 4 weeks after the last received dose.
44 The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th edition