Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has praised families across the region on their positive stance toward childhood immunisation.

It follows new data for the September 2018 quarter which shows more parents are getting the message to protect their children with life-saving vaccines. The nation-wide immunisation rates for five year olds is at 94.62 per cent, which is the highest figure on record.

“The rates are just as strong in the New England with the number of fully immunised children aged 12-15 months in places like Armidale sitting at 95 per cent,” Mr Joyce said.

“In the Upper Hunter, the rate is 93.4%, in Inverell-Tenterfield 94.4% and Tamworth-Gunnedah 95.5%.

“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 Australians.

“Immunisation saves lives and protects lives and it is important that we keep the public informed about its benefits.”

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said immunisation has been repeatedly demonstrated to be one of the most effective interventions to prevent disease worldwide, and the Coalition Government continues to invest in a strong vaccination program.

“The immunisation rate for five year olds in June 2013 was 91.5 per cent, meaning the immunisation rate has grown steadily to record levels since the Coalition came into Government,” Minister Hunt said.

“More than 96.6 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander five year olds were immunised, which is well above the national average.”

“Last month, the Australian Government announced it would invest $52 million to protect Australian teenagers against meningococcal by putting the meningococcal A, C, W and Y vaccine on the National Immunisation Program from April 2019.”

“From July 1 this year, every 12-month old in the country was eligible for a free ACWY meningococcal vaccine and every expectant mother given the opportunity to vaccinate against the whopping cough with a free vaccine.”

The September 2018 child immunisation rates are available here.

(ENDS)