Children vaccinated overseas
Adding your child’s overseas vaccinations to the Australian Immunisation Register
If you move to Australia from overseas you need to make sure your child's previous vaccinations are recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
When you arrive in Australia, take
all documents about your child's overseas vaccinations to an immunisation provider, such as a doctor.
These documents should show:
- your child’s full name and date of birth
- name(s) of vaccines
- date of when each vaccine was given
- evidence that each vaccine was given (e.g. a stamp or nurse signature).
Wherever possible, use official
documents that are translated to English. This will make the process much quicker for you and your
child.
Immunisation providers will:
- check that the vaccines your child already had matches the National
Immunisation Program Schedule (external
site)
- help your child to catch up on any missing routine vaccines (these vaccines
are free for people up to 20 years of age)
- create an AIR record for your child, if needed
- add your child’s overseas vaccinations to their AIR record.
To find a local immunisation
provider, visit Where can
I
get immunised? or healthdirect (external site).
If your child’s overseas
vaccination records are not in English, they will need to be translated. You can:
- Check your eligibility and apply for the Australian government’s Free
Translating Service (external site).
- If you are not eligible for the Free Translating Service, ask your
immunisation provider for help. The provider will arrange with the local WA
Health Public Health Unit for document translation.
Enrolling in child care or
school
See Starting
or moving schools – immunisation records.
- To enrol in child care centres and
schools, you will need to provide an AIR
record and your child will need to meet enrolment requirements.
- Only fully-immunised
children with an up-to-date AIR record are eligible for family
assistance payments. Speak to your
immunisation provider for more information.
Remember
- If you are moving to Australia, bring your child’s vaccination records with you.
- Ask your immunisation provider to create an Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) record and add the details of your child’s previous immunisations to the AIR.
- An AIR record cannot be created until your child arrives in Australia.
More information
Visit the Services Australia (external site) or phone the AIR on 1800 653 809.
Last reviewed: 07-08-2023
Acknowledgements
Public Health
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.