November 3, 2021

Immunisation

For Early Education and Primary school students it is the law that an Immunisation History Statement (IHS) from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) is provided to the school by parent/carer, even if it shows that a child has not yet received any vaccinations. Schools are required to keep a copy of the IHS so that if there is a disease outbreak, unvaccinated children can be quickly identified and excluded from school until the risk of infection has passed. For students that immunisation status is unknown, they would also be excluded from school as set out in the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019 Act (VIC) and directed by the Chief Health Officer.

Secondary students are encouraged to follow the same guidance to ensure the safety of all students. In the event of a disease outbreak, secondary students that aren’t vaccinated or have not returned a HIS, may be required under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (VIC) to comply with the directions of the Chief Health Officer. 

Parents/carers will be sent an IHS from the AIR when their child turns 5 years old, but a statement can be requested at any time. A copy of a child’s IHS can be obtained from myGOV accounts with the Medicare link or you can contact AIR on 1800 653 809.

For more information, visit the Department of Education website Immunisation policy for schools.