Two separate but related rules link a child’s vaccination record to family services in Australia. Both apply in Victoria. Knowing the difference helps you avoid unwelcome surprises at enrolment or at FTB reconciliation time.
No Jab No Play (Victorian)
Under Victorian regulation, all early-childhood education and care services (long day care, family day care, kindergarten, occasional care) must check a child’s immunisation status at enrolment. The service confirms one of:
- The child is fully immunised for their age (an AIR Immunisation History Statement marked “up to date”).
- The child is on a recognised catch-up schedule, certified by an immunisation provider.
- The child has a medical exemption recorded on AIR by a GP, paediatrician or immunisation specialist.
Services can refuse enrolment if none of the above is provided. Personal, philosophical or religious objections do not allow enrolment under No Jab No Play.
Family Tax Benefit Part A (Commonwealth)
Separately, the federal Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A is contingent on your child meeting immunisation requirements at specific ages. If your child isn’t up to date, FTB Part A end-of-year supplement payments may be reduced or withheld. Services Australia checks this automatically against AIR, you don’t need to send anything, but you do need the record on AIR to be current. Catch-ups bring you back into compliance.
How to check your record
- Log into myGov and open Medicare, Immunisation History Statement.
- Or use the Medicare Express Plus mobile app, faster on a phone.
- The statement will say “up to date” or list what’s outstanding.
If you’re behind
Catch-up vaccinations are free under the NIP up to age 20 (up to 25 for HPV). Your GP or local council immunisation session can deliver them and submit to AIR. For ages 5 and over, we can also help. The statement updates within a few days of each dose.
Medical exemptions
Medical exemptions are recorded on AIR by an authorised practitioner only, and only for specific clinical reasons (anaphylaxis to a previous dose, immunocompromise that prevents live vaccines, etc.). Conscientious objection is not a valid exemption under either No Jab No Play or No Jab No Pay.
For details on the 4-year-old visit before school, see our pre-school vaccination post.
Sources & further reading
General information only. This article is educational and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Your immuniser will confirm eligibility and contraindications on the day.
TGA advertising compliance. Vaccines are referred to by disease or category in line with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code. Specific brands and registered indications are discussed at the consultation.