Immunisation requirements for family assistance payments
No Jab, No Pay
From 1 January 2016:
- only parents of children (aged up to and including 19 years) who are fully immunised, or are on a recognised catch-up schedule, or have an approved medical exemption, can continue to receive family assistance payments.
- These changes also affect those who receive Grandparent Child Care Benefit, Special Child Care Benefit or Jobs, Education and Training Child Care Fee Assistance.
- Conscientious objection and vaccination objection on non-medical grounds is no longer a valid exemption from immunisation.
How will I know if my payments will be affected?
Parents will be notified through letters from Centrelink stating that they may not meet the new requirements for receiving family assistance payments.
They are encouraged to speak to their immunisation provider about either updating their child’s records in the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) or starting a vaccination catch-up schedule to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated.
All immunisation records need to be entered into the AIR by your immunisation provider.
Is immunisation free?
As of 1 January 2016, all National Immunisation Program vaccines are free of charge for children aged less than 10 years.
Please note your provider may charge a consultation fee to administer these vaccines.
Parents who are unsure if their child is fully vaccinated can check their immunisation history by requesting a copy of their Australian Immunisation Register Immunisation History Statement.
How can I check if my child is fully immunised?
Parents and guardians of children under 14 years can request a copy of their child's immunisation records from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). This is called an AIR Immunisation History Statement. Children 14 years and over can access their own Immunisation History Statement. An enquiry for a person over 14 years cannot be made without that person's consent.
Read more about how you can access immunisation records.
For more information about the childhood immunisation requirements visit the Department of Human Services (external site).
More information
For all queries including getting your child’s immunisation history, please call AIR on 1800 653 809 (Monday to Friday 8.00am-5.00pm).
For further assistance on translating and entering overseas and Australian immunisation records on the AIR, or identifying which vaccines your child needs to be up to date, contact your
local public health unit or the Central Immunisation Clinic on (08) 9321 1312.
Last reviewed: 01-07-2020
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.