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.
  • The Immunisation Program encourages providers to place one (1) order monthly, however orders will be accepted 14 days apart if required.
  • Weekly orders (at least 7 days apart) can be made during influenza season (April – June).
  • 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.

    Under the Australian Immunisation Register Act 2015 (AIR Act), it is mandatory to report all immunisation encounters to AIR. If you do not have an AIR provider number, please submit an AIR IM004 formExternal Link . If you require state endorsement, please submit with this form with the Government funded vaccine account application.

  • Order your vaccine online via OnelinkExternal Link .

    The Immunisation Program encourages providers to place one (1) order monthly, however orders will be accepted 14 days apart if required. Weekly orders (at least 7 days apart) can be made during influenza season (April – June).

    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.

    When placing your order with Onelink, please ensure you:

    1. Check last order date. The last approved order date can be viewed under My Account > Order History, the next order can be placed 14 days* after this date.
    2. Complete a full stock count of vaccines in your vaccine refrigerator/s.
    3. Report stock on hand. If you do not order/hold a vaccine indicate zero (0).
    4. Order influenza and all other government funded vaccines in a combined order.
    5. Order vaccine quantities in doses, not packs.

    Providers may be required to justify order requests and AIR encounters will be audited.

    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.

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 27 March 2025

Health.vic

Contact details

Opening hours:  9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

Immunisation Program Department of Health

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