Programs - Immunisation

ACIR

Program Manager - Anne Vail Phone: (02) 68840197

The Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) is the national data base that holds information on the vaccination status of children under the age of seven years of age. All immunisation providers should forward details of each vaccination encounter to ACIR as soon as possible after the vaccine has been administered.

Immunisations can be reported by automated notification via Medicare Online billing, the ACIR secure website or via a paper based voucher (IMMU-2)

Record Keeping

• Record all vaccinations in the child health record book (Blue Book) and in the patient’s clinical notes.

• Record batch numbers

• Transmit via preferred method  

Electronic access to ACIR ‘Quick Reference Guide'

To access the ACIR internet site:

1. Key http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/ and follow prompts.

• When allocating a password it is easier to have 8 digits starting with 6 alpha and 2 numeric. The password changes every 6 months, you can therefore change the numerical digits ie: Syringe01 to Syringe02 etc.
• The Main Menu will look as follows: 
• Reports Menu lists the reports available for you to produce. This includes a variety of statistical and detailed reports. (The most useful reports are 11B which lists the due/overdue reports for your practice minimal use of paper with this report. The ACIR020A report also does the same excepting it prints one child / page)
• Claims Menu Allows you to view a summary of claims you have submitted to the ACIR and to submit Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) claims where applicable. The claims menu also allows you to view and / or request your current statement of payment.
• Identify Child Allows you to view a child’s immunisation history and to RECORD ENCOUNTER FORMS. You can also print out a child’s immunisation history – handy for parents.
• Provider Menu Allows you to amend your internet contact details

 Achieving recommended immunisation targets 

• Access 11B or ACIR020A reports via the web.
• It is imperative that every GP in the Practice has signed a 46E (confidentiality agreement) or the reports will cease to be sent. Remember each new GP at the Practice must sign a 46E agreement.  
• Develop a recall / reminder system, using data from the reports to call in due or overdue children.

Click here for further RESOURCES

• Agreement under Section 46E(2) of the Health Insurance Act 1973 (122k)
• Application to Register as an Immunisation Provider (9k) - Immunisation Providers must register with the Immunisation Register before sending immunisation data. Public Sector providers must complete this form and forward it to their State/Territory Health Department for approval. General practitioners are automatically registered with the Immunisation Register when they receive their Medicare Provider Number.
• Payment Account Details for Immunisation Providers (143k) - General practitioners must complete this form to receive payment for immunisation data sent to the Immunisation Register. Other immunisation providers may update their bank account or credit union details recorded on the Immunisation Register using this form.
• Immunisation history form (59k) - used to report immunisation details to the ACIR when another immunisation provider performed the vaccination service.
• Stationery Re-order form (128k) - all States and Territories, excluding Northern Territory and Queensland, should use this form to order immunisation stationery.
• Application to Transmit Immunisation Data Electronically (8k) - must be completed before immunisation data will be accepted via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).
• Medical Contraindication form (179k) - used by recognised immunisation providers if there is a reason why a vaccine should not be given to a child.
• Conscientious Objection form (178k) - used to record a parent's conscientious objection to their child being immunised. This form must be completed by a parent or guardian together with the immunisation provider and sent to the Immunisation Register.