Local childhood immunisation rates above national record

Published on 02 November 2018

A concerted effort to increase the number of babies and children in our region who are protected with life-saving vaccines is paying off.

New data for the quarter ending June 30, 2018 shows immunisation rates for five year olds in the Mildura Rural City Council area was 95.29%. This is well above the national rate of 94.62%, which is the highest national figure on record. Local rates for one and two year olds are also well above the national average.

Councillor for Community Wellbeing and Services Min Poole welcomed the figures and urged parents and carers to continue to utilise the free immunisation services available locally.

“Immunisation helps to protect your child from potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. It’s one of the best ways of improving your child’s health and wellbeing and stopping diseases from spreading in the community,” Cr Poole said.

“The fact that our local childhood immunisation rates remain strong is a real testament to the parents, carers and immunisation providers who deliver these important services in our community.”

Childhood Immunisation Rates reported for the Mildura region include vaccinations provided by Council, local GPs, Mallee District Aboriginal Service and other local providers. Other figures in our region for quarter ending June 30, 2018 show:

• 95.41% of one year olds are fully immunised (94.02% nationally)
• 93.18% of two year olds are fully immunised (90.63% nationally)
• 95.29% of five year olds are fully immunised (94.62% nationally)

“The state and national target is to have 95% of all children immunised by the time they are five years old, to best protect a community from vaccine-preventable diseases,” Cr Poole said.

“Our local coverage rate for five year old vaccinations is above this target which is very reassuring.”

Mildura Rural City Council runs regular immunisation clinics in various locations across the region. All vaccinations that are part of the routine schedule of vaccines provided free under the National Immunisation Program are available at these clinics. Appointments are also available at Council’s Deakin Avenue Service Centre.

“We have made a real effort to vary the times and locations of our immunisation clinics and offer more private appointments where possible, to ensure everyone has the best chance of accessing this important service,” Cr Poole said.

For more information about local immunisation services, clinic times or advice on which vaccinations your child may need, go to www.mildura.vic.gov.au/immunisations or call Council on (03) 5018 8100.