Australia now has world-leading vaccination rates for children
The number of Australian children who are fully immunised continues to rise to record levels, with close to 95 per cent (%) of children vaccinated against deadly diseases – well above the average global vaccination coverage of 85%.
According to Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunt, immunisations save and protect lives and it is important to keep promoting the benefits of vaccines.
“The latest figures show that the vast majority of parents are hearing the message about the benefits of vaccinations and I am delighted that our public health campaigns and our immunisation programs are protecting all Australians,” he said.
Immunisation rates also
continue to increase for one, two and five-year olds, with Victoria and
Tasmania both performing above the national rate.
The data
The latest data from the Australian National Immunisation Register shows over the past 10 years, an average overall coverage rate of 93.36%.
At its highest recorded figure, the five-year-old group is at 94.78%. This is up from 94.67% in the December 2018 quarter.
National coverage rates as of March 2019 are:
- 94.14% for all one-year-olds
- 91.15% for all two-year-olds
- 94.78% for all five-year-olds.
Immunisation funding
The strong national vaccination coverage rate is being credited to the effectiveness of immunisation services, programs and policies.
The Morrison Government has invested $20 million to ensure facts about immunisation are reaching parents and carers effectively.
The Government invests more than $400 million in the National Immunisation Program annually.
Mr Hunt believes this proves the value of investment in vaccinations, especially in terms of publicising its value and effectiveness.
With this year’s flu season claiming the lives of hundreds of Australians, including children, parents are being reminded to have their child vaccinated if they haven’t already done so.
According to Dr Ryan Harvey at House Call Doctor, parents need to stay on top of the flu vaccine yearly.
“Each year the prominent strains of the flu change, meaning it is necessary to get an updated vaccine each year,” he said.
For more information you can speak to your GP or visit the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
