Australian Immunisation Register Reporting Requirements in Residential Aged Care

The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) is a national register that records all vaccines given to people in Australia. This includes both vaccines given under the NIP and vaccines given privately.  

When vaccinations are delivered in a residential aged care home by an external vaccination provider (such as a GP or pharmacy), the provider is responsible for reporting the vaccination to the AIR. This should occur within 24 hours of vaccine administration, and no more than 10 working days after the vaccination. 

Residential aged care homes may wish to confirm reporting arrangements and periodically review residents' AIR records to support accurate vaccination monitoring and timely follow-up of residents who are due or overdue for vaccination. 

E-learning modules: Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) - Submitting to the AIR  

AIR access for residential aged care homes 

Residential aged care homes (RACHs) can apply to become recognised vaccination providers with access to the AIR. Access to residents’ immunisation records helps authorised staff deliver timely, person-centred care and maintain accurate vaccination information.  

The AIR can be used to: 

• check residents’ vaccination status 
• identify residents who are due or overdue for vaccination 
• support planning of vaccination activities 

AIR information may only be used for purposes permitted under the Australian Immunisation Register Act 2015. RACHs may access residents’ vaccination records for clinical care and vaccination management, but they must not use AIR to check an employee’s vaccination status without the employee’s consent. 

Further information 

Fact sheet: AIR access for Residential Care Facilities 

AIR access: Setting up access to the Australian Immunisation Register  

Managing immunisation records in AIR: Manage immunisation records in AIR 

Vaccination planning in RACH: Supporting  Residential Aged Care Providers with Vaccination Planning booklet 

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