While overall child immunisation rates have improved across Australia there are still some postcodes lagging behind.

A report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare today reveals 93 percent of Australian five year olds were fully immunised in 2015-16, reports 9 news.

The report examined immunisation rates across 31 Primary Health Network (PHN) areas.

For the first time, all 31 of Australia’s PHN areas now have immunisation rates for five year olds above 90 percent.

The proportion of fully immunised five year olds was highest in Western NSW and Murrumbidgee (NSW) at 96 percent.

North Coast (NSW) (90 percent), Perth North and Perth South (91 percent) and Gold Coast (91 percent) had the lowest rates.

“When looking at smaller areas, like postcode areas, we see much greater variation in immunisation rates, from a high of almost 100 percent and a low of 71 percent for fully immunised five year olds,” AIHW spokesperson Michael Frost said.

“Even though the majority of Australian kids are immunised, it’s important to maintain high immunisation rates to protect the community, including vulnerable groups such as babies who are too young to receive their vaccines,” he said.

IMMUNISATION RATES IN AUSTRALIA

• 92.9 percent of 5-year-olds fully immunised
• 22,128 children not fully immunised nationally

AREAS WITH HIGHEST VACCINATION RATES

Western NSW – 96.1 percent

Murrumbidgee (NSW) – 96 percent

Hunter New England & Central Coast (NSW) – 95.4 percent

Gippsland (Vic) – 94.9 percent

South Eastern NSW – 94.7 percent

Nepean Blue Mountains (NSW) – 94.7 percent

Western Queensland – 94.4 percent

AREAS WITH THE LOWEST IMMUNISATION RATES

North Coast (NSW) – 90.3 percent

Perth North (WA) – 90.6 percent

Perth South (WA) – 90.8 percent

Gold Coast (QLD) – 90.8 percent

Northern Sydney (NSW) – 91.3 percent

Central & Eastern Sydney (NSW) – 91.5 percent

Central Qld, Wide Bay & Sunshine Coast – 91.6 percent

Overall it is looking quite positive. Does this result surprise you?

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