The Hon Greg Hunt MP
Minister for Health and Aged Care
Australia’s global reputation as an immunisation nation has continued, as parents protect their children from disease at record rates.
Australians have embraced vaccination against COVID-19, it has helped to save lives and protect lives.
In addition, the nation has continued our excellent record of vaccination against other serious diseases, to protect ourselves and especially our children.
Data from the year to September 2021 shows Australia has remained above our target of 95% vaccination of five year old children.
With 95.12% of all five year olds fully vaccinated, we have achieved a level of herd immunity which can stop vaccine-preventable diseases spreading in the community.
Importantly, this is the fourth quarter in which the rolling one-year average has remained above 95%-a fantastic achievement when compared to the rate of 74.4% in 2005 when immunisation rates for five year olds were first recorded.
The vaccination rate for five year old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children continues to be above the national average, at 97.02 per cent.
It is also well above the estimated World Health Organization international average immunisation coverage rate of 86 per cent for five year olds, making Australia a world leading vaccination nation.
Among two year olds, the rates of full vaccination continue to be strong at 92.56 per cent in the 12 months to September 2021. We continue to strive and work with parents and practitioners to drive this number towards 95%.
Coverage for one year old children was 94.76%. Coverage for one year old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children was 92.90%.
The past two years may have caused issues for some families, leading to delays in following the vaccination schedule for themselves or their children. Now is the time to consult with your medical professional and get back on track.
The National Immunisation Program provides free, proven vaccines against serious diseases including hepatitis B, whooping cough, measles and polio.
Anyone who has questions about the vaccination schedule for themselves or their children should talk to their GP and organise a catch up schedule if needed.
The Australian Government strongly supports immunisation and invests more than $400 million a year in the National Immunisation Program, delivering safe, effective vaccines for all Australians.
Parents of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged five years and younger were specifically targeted by a recent government education campaign on childhood immunisation.
Our world leading childhood vaccination rates of over 95% for other medical conditions gives us great confidence that families will embrace COVID-19 vaccination for children when they become available in the coming weeks.
