Department of Health

Community immunisation information

The information on this page is aimed at immunisation providers. If you're looking for immunisation information for yourself, your family or someone you're caring for, visit Better Health Channel. 

Immunisation information on Better Health Channel

Key messages

  • You must be a registered immunisation provider in Victoria to order government funded vaccines.
  • Immunisation providers are eligible for one (1) vaccine order per month; two (2) during the influenza season (April - June), placed at least 14 days apart.
  • All government funded vaccines are ordered online via OnelinkExternal Link .
  • Stock on Hand must be reported for all vaccines. If you do not order/hold a vaccine indicate zero (0).
  • Immunisation providers must check all vaccines on delivery and store them appropriately.

Registered immunisation providers can order stock of government funded vaccines (vaccines on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) or provided by the Victorian Government) from the Department of Health Immunisation Program for administration to eligible cohorts.

How to order vaccines

  • Before submitting an order for government-funded vaccines, you need to apply for an account number with the Department of Health. To apply for an account number, providers should submit an application to the department’s Immunisation Program.

    Application forms for providers are available to download from this page. Processing of new account applications by the Immunisation Program may take up to four (4) weeks during peak periods of the year. Applications that have not been completed correctly when submitted won’t be approved and a new application will need to be completed.

    Downloads

  • Order your vaccine online via OnelinkExternal Link .

    • Order your vaccine online via OnelinkExternal Link . For assistance, contact OnelinkExternal Link .
    • Complete a full stock count of all vaccines before placing an order. Stock on hand must be reported for all vaccines. If you do not order/hold a vaccine indicate zero (0).
    • Immunisation providers are eligible for one (1) vaccine order per month; two (2) during the influenza season (April - June), placed at least 14 days apart.
    • Vaccines orders should include all government funded vaccines required to meet your monthly vaccine requirements.
    • A suggested monthly order and product history are available online to assist providers to order appropriately.
    • Do not overstock; aim to maintain air circulation in the vaccine fridge.
    • You will receive a confirmation email after your order is accepted and updates on how it is tracking.

    Allow a minimum of three (3) business days (five (5) to seven (7) days during influenza vaccine season) for processing and delivery of your vaccine order. Note there are no deliveries to country areas on Mondays.

  • It is the immunisation provider's responsibility to ensure that vaccines are stored appropriately when they are delivered.

    Vaccines must be received by practice staff who are educated in cold chain management.

    For instruction on receiving vaccine and operating the TagAlert® device refer to Cold chain monitoring during vaccine transport. While unpacking the vaccine:

    • Check that the vaccine consignment matches the delivery invoice and the delivery is not damaged. Email Onelink as soon as possible if there is a discrepancy or you have concerns.
    • Minimise the time that the vaccine fridge door is open.
    • Rotate vaccines so that the stock with earlier expiry is used first.
    • Do not remove vaccines from their packets - this protects them from light and temperature fluctuation.

    For detailed information on appropriate storage of vaccines refer to Cold chain management.

  • Complete the Government funded vaccine account change of details formExternal Link to update your account details.

    Changes include:

    • Change of service name
    • Change of phone number
    • Change of generic service email address
    • Change of delivery address
    • Change of nominated responsible practitioner

    Providers are required to notify the Immunisation Program within five (5) working days of any changes to their account details. Failure to notify the Immunisation Program will result in an account being suspended.

    The Immunisation Program communicates with providers via email, ensure your registered generic service email address is kept up to date.

    Complete the Cold Chain Management eLearning certificate collection formExternal Link to update the nominated Vaccine Coordinator and Back-up Person for your government funded vaccine account and upload their Cold Chain Management – Clinical staff/Vaccine coordinators eLearning module certificate of completion.

Ordering rabies vaccine / immunoglobulin

The Immunisation Program manages orders for rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin. These cannot be ordered online.

Please complete the post-exposure rabies treatment order form or pre-exposure rabies vaccine order form and email to immunisation@health.vic.gov.au.

Download and complete the Patient Held Record form and take this record to each visit for Rabies or Australian Bat Lyssavirus Treatment.

View Rabies clinical information for guidance if required.

Downloads

Reviewed 14 June 2024

Health.vic

Contact details

Opening hours:  9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

Immunisation Program Department of Health

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