AHA assessed the enablers and barriers to the presentation of immunisation status certificates at primary school enrolment.

It is a legal requirement that immunisation status certificates be presented to primary schools before a child commences school in Victoria. However, data collected by the Department indicated minimal enforcement of this school entry immunisation legislation.

The goals of the evaluation were to:

• Identify barriers and enablers to the presentation of immunisation certificates to schools
• Provide evidence that will inform and assist the Department in its development of a communication strategy and associated resources to target the identified barriers
• Provide advise/recommendations on how to improve legislative compliance.

AHA applied a mix method data collection protocol to support this evaluation. This included analysis of secondary data (Australian Childhood Immunisation Register), review of school website content and in-depth telephone interviews with school representatives (principals and administrative staff), immunisation providers and parents of prep students.

The sample for interview included representatives from:

• Government, Catholic and Independent schools
• Schools where immunisation certificate presentation rates were high, as well where presentation rates are low
• Urban and rural schools
• Schools with high levels of cultural diversity

AHA provided the Department with a comprehensive report detailing key findings and recommendations to inform future strategies to improve legislative compliance.