Abstract

The Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) commenced operation on 1 January 1996 and is now an important component of the Immunise Australia Program. Immunisations are generally notified to the ACIR either by electronic means—by email or the internet—or by hardcopy notification forms. Parents with children who have a personal, philosophical, religious or medical belief that immunisation should not occur can ask their doctor or immunisation provider to complete a conscientious objection form and send it to the ACIR. In practice, this form is usually only completed if a parent wishes to receive means-tested child-care benefits and maternity allowances that are not paid unless a child is fully immunised or a conscientious objection form has been lodged.