The AIR Integration Service sends vaccination records from NSW Health systems directly to the AIR. It seamlessly connects existing clinical systems and automatically submits the records.
The Challenge
In July 2021, the Federal Government mandated all vaccines administered under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to be recorded in the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) within 24 hours.
NSW Health had over 650,000 historical vaccination records stored in different systems, including Electronic Medication Management (eMeds) within the Electronic Medical Record (eMR), and the Electronic Record for Intensive Care (eRIC).
To reduce manual work for clinicians, eHealth NSW was asked to build a system to send both new and existing vaccination records to the AIR.
The Plan
eHealth NSW worked with Health Protection NSW and 200 subject matter experts across NSW Health, including clinicians, to design the solution.
Due to the complexity of vaccination record systems, the rollout was introduced in phases over six weeks. It included electronic medical record systems that support intensive care, community care and medication management.
Future plans include using the system to send school and staff vaccination records. eHealth NSW will continue to support LHD staff to reduce manual record entry.
“The system provides a seamless experience to clinicians and makes it simpler for them to record vaccinations, deliver care and improve patient outcomes.”
- Dr Jeremy McAnulty, Executive Director, Health Protection NSW and Project Sponsor
The Outcome
NSW Health was one of the first jurisdictions in Australia to meet mandatory reporting of vaccines under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to the AIR. NSW Health exceeded the mandated requirement by also reporting additional vaccination records such as Monkey Pox and Japanese Encephalitis.
NSW Health migrated nearly 350,000 vaccination records via the AIR Integration project. Automated integrations were rolled out to seven vaccination record source systems across the 14 NSW LHDs and two SHNs.
Now, all NSW Health vaccine records are automatically sent to the AIR within 24 hours.
The Benefits
For clinicians, the AIR Integration Service:
- Ensures that NSW Health organisations adhere to the Australian Immunisations Register Act 2015
- Provides access to precise and up to date immunisation-related data, aiding in informed clinical decision-making.
For patients, the AIR Integration Service:
- Enhances continuity of care through more effective sharing of immunisation records across different healthcare settings
- Helps them comply with the vaccination schedule to avoid re-vaccinations and missed doses
- Reduces the time required to obtain accurate vaccination status.
Data correct as of May 2025
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