Catching up with catch-up: a policy analysis of immunisation for refugees and asylum seekers in Victoria.

This study examines catch-up immunisation for people of refugee-like background in Victoria, exploring effective models of service delivery to complete catch-up vaccinations. The analysis is based on: (i) review of the medical literature, Commonwealth and Victorian government immunisation policy and immunisation patient information; (ii) review of vaccination coverage and service delivery data; and (iii) stakeholder interviews completed in 2014 with 45 people from 34 agencies, including 9 local government areas in Victoria. Although refugees and asylum seekers all need catch-up vaccinations on arrival, they face significant barriers to completing immunisation in Australia.