ACT continues to maintain high childhood immunisation rates

ACT Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher MLA, said today the latest figures on childhood immunisation rates showed that the ACT remained well ahead of the national benchmark.

The Minister was speaking about the September quarter data contained in the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR), which collects data from immunisation providers on immunisation given to children up to seven years of age.

“I’m pleased to see that the ACT has achieved the highest coverage rates in Australia for 12 month and four year old children and the second highest rate for the two year olds,” Ms Gallagher said. 

“The ACT has also achieved excellent rates for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who have the highest rates in 12 month and four year old children and the second highest rates in two year olds. In fact, 100 per cent of the four year old group was identified as being fully immunised.”

Immunisation in the ACT is a collaborative effort between public and private immunisation providers, ACT Health, ACT Division of General Practice and Medicare Australia. These groups have formed strong partnerships to raise awareness of the value of immunisation and the importance of receiving vaccinations at the correct time.

“It is important that children receive protection from diseases at the recommended ages. The immunisation schedule is designed to gain protection against diseases such as pertussis, measles and chickenpox at the appropriate age,” Ms Gallagher said.

“However, delays in vaccination do occur and become more common as a child becomes older. I would encourage parents to book their child’s four year immunisation on or near their child’s fourth birthday. The immunisations can be given at the same time as the ‘Healthy Kids Check for Four Year Olds’. Four year old children are now considered to be overdue for this immunisation at four years and one month.”

The latest data on childhood immunisation coverage in the ACT is outlined in Table 1

Table 1   - Coverage data provided by the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register
Date of Processing 30 September 2009

 * does not include immunisation against varicella, pneumococcal, rotavirus and meningococcal C

28 December 2009