What is an Immunisation History Statement and how do I get one?

When you’re enrolling your child in childcare, there’s one document that comes up again and again: the Immunisation History Statement. In simple terms, it’s your child’s official, current vaccination record in Australia and most services will ask for it during enrolment. It’s generated through the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) and shows whether your child is:

• up to date
• on a catch-up schedule
• or has a valid medical exemption

You will often be required to provide updated, current versions of your child’s Immunisation History Statement to your childcare provider so it’s a relief to know most parents can easily download it online in just a few minutes.

What the Immunisation History Statement shows

Your child’s Immunisation History Statement is pulled directly from AIR and includes:

• your child’s name and date of birth
• a record of vaccinations received
• whether your child is up to date
• any catch-up immunisation schedules
• any approved medical exemptions

It’s the official record used for both childcare enrolment and CCS checks.

What childcare services are actually checking

When a service asks for this document, they’re not reviewing every vaccine in detail - they are just ensuring they keep up-to-date records and that your family can continue receiving CCS. In most cases, they’re simply confirming whether your child:

• is up to date, or
• is on a recognised catch-up schedule, or
• has a valid exemption recorded

Why childcare services require it

There are two main reasons this document is required:

1. Health and safety

Childcare is a shared environment, so services need to manage the risk of infectious diseases.

The Immunisation History Statement helps them:

• understand each child’s vaccination status
• respond appropriately during illness or outbreaks
• help protect children who are more vulnerable

2. CCS compliance

Immunisation status is linked to Child Care Subsidy (CCS) under Australia’s “No Jab, No Pay” rules.

This means services need to ensure:

• families claiming CCS meet immunisation requirements
• records match what’s recorded in AIR

 Providing up-to-date versions of this document is a normal part of the process.

When you’ll be asked for it

Most services will request your Immunisation History Statement:

• during enrolment
• when accepting a childcare place
• when setting up your CCS claim

You might also be asked for an updated version later if:

• vaccinations become overdue
• records in AIR are updated
• CCS requirements need to be rechecked

This isn’t a one-off, high-pressure step - it’s just part of keeping records current.

How to get an Immunisation History Statement (quick guide)

Getting your statement is usually quick and straightforward once you have your myGov account setup and linked to your Medicare account.

Option 1: myGov (fastest option)

1. Log in to your myGov account
2. Open Medicare
3. Select your child's name 
4. Download their Immunisation History Statement
5. Save for file for emailing or uploading

Option 2: Through your GP

• Ask your GP or immunisation provider
• They can print a copy for you

If you’re unsure, your childcare service can usually point you in the right direction quickly.

A simple way to think about it

If you’re juggling enrolment paperwork, here’s the simple version:

• It’s your child’s official vaccination record
• It comes from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
• Childcare services use it to confirm health and CCS requirements
• You can usually download it in just a few minutes through your myGov/Medicare account

And if something isn’t quite up to date yet, that’s okay - services will usually help you work through what’s needed.