Immunisations
People arriving as refugees or seeking asylum will all require catch-up vaccinations after arrival in Australia and should also have recommended Covid and influenza vaccines.
These populations are frequently un- or under-immunised because humanitarian crises disrupt health services and immunisation programs, and overseas immunisation schedules are different to the Australian schedule. Humanitarian entrants receive Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel and may receive other vaccines as part of the Immigration Medical Examination and Departure Health Check process, but they often do not have other vaccine records.
Catch-up vaccination is important to protect individual and public health and will also allow full access to Centrelink for children and families. Catch-up is completed in 3-4 visits over 4-10 months. Catch-up vaccinations are free of charge.
referral
referral
Referral
National Immunisation Program eligibility for refugees and humanitarian entrants
The Commonwealth guidance states that NIP vaccines are free for ‘refugees and humanitarian entrants of any age’.Find out more
resource
resource
Resource
Catch up vaccinations
The Immunisation Unit at the Department of Health has created a new webpage to support immunisers through the vaccination catch-up journey with their patients.Visit
resource
Resource
Catch-up immunisation in refugees
Vaccine preventable diseases (VPD) are endemic and/or epidemic in countries of origin of refugee families, and disruptions to health care may affect vaccine quality and access to vaccination. Information on vaccination coverage and disease status in country of origin is available from the World Health Organization (WHO), including immunisation schedules by country.Visit
resource
Resource
National Immunisation Program Schedule
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule is a series of immunisations given at specific times throughout your life. The immunisations range from birth through to adulthood.Visit
resource
Resource
Influenza vaccination
Influenza can be serious. The best way to protect against influenza is to get vaccinated each year. For some people the vaccine is free.Visit
resource
Resource
COVID-19 booster vaccine advice
Learn about booster doses for COVID-19 vaccines, who they are for, when you need one and how to get it.Visit
resource
Resource
National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule is a series of immunisations given at specific times throughout your life. The immunisations range from birth through to adulthood.Visit
resource
Resource
Catch up vaccinations for refugees and asylum seekers in Victoria
This resource was designed for refugee and migrant communities in Victoria about catch-up vaccinations.Visit
publication
publication
Publication
Immunisation Fact Sheet: For case workers working with refugees and asylum seekers
This information sheet is to inform case workers in Victoria about immunisation policy and considerations for people of refugee backgrounds.View Document