Catch up immunisation for missed vaccines or overseas new arrivals
If you’ve had immunisations in another country or missed any scheduled immunisations, you can visit a GP for assessment and upload to AIR (Australian Immunisation Register).
You’ll need documents in English that show what immunisations you’ve had. Take these documents to a GP in Australia. You can ask them to:
- check if the immunisations you’ve had match the National Immunisation Program,
- help you to catch up if you’re missing any immunisations,
- add your overseas immunisations to the AIR.
These immunisations will then be on your immunisation history statement.
How to get your vaccination documents translated to English
If your documents aren’t in English, you will have to have them translated. Read about the Free Translating Service on the Department of Home Affairs website. You can use this service if you’re settling in Australia or if you’re already living here permanently.
How to get immunisation history statements
You can use your immunisation history statements for proof of your vaccinations. Even if you are not eligible for Medicare, you can access your immunisation history statement. To find out how to access your immunisation statement, follow the link how to get an immunisation history statement. If your vaccinations aren’t showing after 10 days, check with your provider to confirm they’ve updated your record.
You can also call the Australian Immunisation Register and ask them to send you a copy. If your details are wrong and you need to update your details on your vaccination record, contact the provider that vaccinated you.
Refugees and other humanitarian entrants
Refugees and other humanitarian entrants aged 20 years and older with no documented history of vaccination are eligible for the following vaccinations: diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, chickenpox, poliomyelitis, measles-mumps-rubella and hepatitis B. For further information see Migrants, refugees and other humanitarian entrants.
If you can’t have a vaccination for medical reasons
If you can’t get a vaccine for medical reasons, but need to provide proof of vaccination, this can be recorded on your immunisation history statement. This a medical contraindication. Your doctor will need to update your record on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) to say you have a medical contraindication. You can then use your immunisation history statement as proof of your vaccination status, if it’s needed.
For any further queries, please call or email the Immunisation Team:
Communication with the Immunisation Team is essential prior to attending our Immunisation clinics for Catch-ups.
