Immunisation helps protect children and adults against harmful infections by using the body’s natural defence mechanism – the immune response – to build resistance to specific infections. Immunisation also helps you stay healthy by preventing serious diseases in the first place.

The Victorian Government's 'No Jab, No Play' legislation came into effect in January 2016. This legislation aims to reduce the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases by increasing immunisation rates in the community.

From 1 January 2016, all parents/guardians seeking to enrol their child at an early childhood service in Victoria will be required to provide evidence that the child is:

• Fully immunised for their age (provide an immunisation certificate), or
• On a vaccination catch up program,or
• Unable to be fully immunised for medical reasons.

Only parents of children who are fully immunised, or are on a recognised catch-up schedule, can receive the child care benefit, the child care rebate and the family benefit.

To access your/child's immunisation certificate:

• Log in to your Medicare online account or create a myGov account.
• Use the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.

If you can’t access Medicare online, contact the Australian Immunisation Register(AIR) on 1800 653 809

If you are unable to obtain your records on AIR, complete the immunisation history request online form. Please note that Council holds immunisation records for 25 years.