Queensland childhood immunisation rates amongst Australia’s best
Published Tuesday, 15 July, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
Childhood immunisation rates in Queensland are among the highest in the country, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.
Mr Robertson said current immunisation statistics showed Queensland children had coverage levels comparable to or above the national average.
Immunisation coverage is reported at nationally agreed milestones of 12-15 months, 24-27 months and 60-63 months.
The most recent immunisation coverage rates for Queensland reported on 31 March 2008 are as follows:
|
Age |
Non-Indigenous Queensland |
Non-Indigenous Australia |
Indigenous Queensland |
Indigenous Australia |
|
12-15 months |
91.7% |
91.6% |
84.2% |
83.7% |
|
24-27 months |
92.6% |
92.9% |
91.3% |
90.8% |
|
60-63 months |
88.4% |
88.4% |
88.0% |
84.3% |
“These latest statistics show that Queensland is performing exceptionally well when it comes to vaccinating children against a wide range of diseases,” Mr Robertson said.
“They show that Indigenous Queensland children in particular are benefiting from higher vaccination rates compared to the national Indigenous average.
“The figures also show vaccination rates for non-Indigenous Queensland children compare favourably to the non-Indigenous national average.
“Immunisation is important because it is one of the most cost effective ways to prevent disease.”
The immunisation program in Queensland is part of the National Immunisation Program and offers vaccines in its childhood program to protect against diseases including whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, polio and meningococcal C disease.
Indigenous children in Queensland are also offered vaccinations to protect against hepatitis A.
Media: Martin Philip 3225 2680 or 0407 675 008