Support immunisation
Why is immunisation required?
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways of preventing the incursion and transmission of vaccine preventable communicable diseases such as measles, influenza, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and meningococcal disease. See a complete list (external site) of vaccine preventable diseases. These diseases can make people severely ill especially people who are at high risk (e.g. young children, elderly, pregnant women and immuno-compromised).
What is the current situation?
Current reports on child and adolescent coverage rates:
Is there room for improvement?
The national target for childhood vaccinations is 95% coverage, so there is still room for improvement, especially in 24-27 month old children.
The national target for HPV vaccine coverage is 80%.
Things local government may already be doing
- Conducting school-based immunisation programs (SBIP) in their area to deliver HPV, dTpa (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) and meningococcal vaccines.
- Conducting community vaccination clinics for the vaccination of children.
More things local government can do
- Providing support for school-based immunisation programs
- Providing support for community vaccination clinics in their area
- Promoting influenza vaccinations among staff and the community during the flu season.
- Promoting positive immunisation messages in local communications
Where can I get more information about vaccination services in WA
Last reviewed: 10-12-2021