Vaccinations for Australians returning home
Coming back after years abroad — alone, with a partner, with children. Reconcile your overseas vaccinations onto the AIR, catch up on anything missed while you were away, and register dependants properly.
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Which of these is you?
Most returning families fall into one of these patterns. Pick the closest match and the steps are roughly the same.
Returning solo after years away
Your AIR record is still there from before you left. Bring records of anything you had administered overseas — we verify and upload to your existing AIR record ($25 service fee). Then catch up on anything missed.
Returning with a partner on a visa
Your partner is new to the Australian system. They need an IHI (free, via Services Australia) to be linked to the AIR. Their overseas records get verified and uploaded under the new IHI. They may not have Medicare yet — vaccinations are still available privately.
Returning with children
For school or ECEC enrolment your children's vaccinations need to be on the AIR. For children aged 5+ we can verify overseas records and upload. For under-5 children, your GP handles this — we can show you what to ask.
Returning after a short stint abroad
Less complex: probably just need to update the AIR with anything administered while away, catch up on annual flu and any age-banded vaccines that became eligible (shingles at 65, pneumococcal at 70).
What likely changed while you were away
- Maternal RSV was added to the NIP in 2024 — single dose at 28–36 weeks of pregnancy. More on pregnancy.
- Shingles vaccine changed in 2023 to a recombinant (non-live) vaccine, eligible age moved to 65 (and to 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and immunocompromised adults).
- HPV moved to a single dose at year 7 (was previously two doses).
- Older-adult RSV vaccine became available for 75+ and at-risk 60+.
- Free Victorian MMR catch-up for adults 20–59 — runs to 30 June 2027. More on MMR catch-up.
- COVID-19 vaccines are now ATAGI-recommended boosters on a regular schedule rather than mandates; Secretary Directions for healthcare/aged-care/disability were revoked in October 2025.
Reconcile overseas vaccinations onto your AIR record
We verify your overseas records against the Australian Immunisation Handbook and submit verified doses to the AIR for $25 per appointment (regardless of how many doses we record). After upload your AIR record reflects your full vaccination history — accepted by schools, employers, universities and Family Tax Benefit assessments.
How AIR upload worksFAQs from returning Australians
I lived overseas for years — what's the priority?
Three priorities: (1) update your AIR record with anything administered while you were away, (2) catch up on any age-banded vaccines you became eligible for in your time away (shingles from 65, pneumococcal from 70), and (3) the annual flu shot. Bring whatever record you have from overseas — we work with what you have.
My partner has never been to Australia and doesn't have Medicare yet. Can they get vaccinated?
Yes. Vaccinations are available to anyone in Australia regardless of visa or residency. Without Medicare your partner pays the private price for the vaccine plus the standard administration fee. They'll need an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) for the dose to be linked to a national record — applied for free through Services Australia (1300 361 457).
Will my children's overseas vaccinations be accepted by their new Australian school?
Schools and ECEC settings accept the AIR Immunisation History Statement as the proof. For your children's overseas doses to count, they need to be on the AIR. For children aged 5 and over, we can verify the overseas record and upload to the AIR for a $25 fee (per appointment, not per dose). For children under 5, your GP can do this — we'll show you what to ask.
I had several vaccinations overseas while travelling. Can you record them?
Yes — bring the verifiable record (yellow card, GP letter, vaccination certificate). For $25 per appointment we verify each entry against the Australian Immunisation Handbook and submit to the AIR. After upload you can download a complete Immunisation History Statement at any time via myGov.
Do I need any vaccines specifically because I'm coming back?
Not specifically — the focus is more on filling gaps and bringing you up to date with anything you missed. Common items: annual flu, COVID-19 booster if due, MMR catch-up if you're aged 20–59 without two doses (free Victorian program), shingles if 65+ (free under the NIP), pneumococcal if 70+. We work it out at the appointment.
Was anything new added to the schedule while I was away?
A few things: the maternal RSV vaccine was added to the NIP for pregnant patients in 2024; the recombinant shingles vaccine replaced the older live vaccine and the eligibility age moved to 65 (and 50 for ATSI and immunocompromised); HPV moved to a single dose at year 7. Your immuniser will go through anything relevant to you.
I have my Medicare card already from before I left. Will my old AIR record still be there?
Yes. The AIR is permanent — your record from before you left is still there. New doses you receive here go onto the same record. Sign in to myGov and link Medicare to see it.
Sources and further reading
- Australian Immunisation Handbook
- Services Australia — Australian Immunisation Register
- Services Australia — IHI (for partners new to Australia)
- National Immunisation Program schedule
- Victorian Department of Health — Immunisation
General information only — not personal medical advice. Vaccines are described by disease or category in line with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code. Your AHPRA-registered immuniser confirms what applies at the pre-vaccination screening.
Welcome home
Walk in seven days a week. Bring whatever overseas records you have. We'll work out the rest with you.