New data shows that Australia’s childhood vaccination rates are continuing to decline, prompting experts to call for urgent measures to catch up children who are missing out.
Barriers such as out-of-pocket costs, limited appointment availability, insufficient opportunities to discuss vaccines with healthcare providers, and declining trust are preventing some parents and caregivers from following the recommended vaccination schedule.
Lead researcher Dr. Kasia Bolsewicz described the findings, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, as “extremely concerning.” She noted that childhood vaccination rates have fallen each year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with coverage remaining below the national target of 95 per cent across all standard age milestones. Dr. Bolsewicz emphasized that prioritizing catch-up vaccinations is essential to protect children from potentially life-threatening, vaccine-preventable diseases.
To improve coverage, researchers recommended strategies including expanding bulk-billed vaccinations, extending appointment hours and locations, collaborating with trusted community advocates to promote vaccination, and providing healthcare providers with funding to allow dedicated time to discuss vaccines with parents. These strategies were developed in consultation with health professionals, community members, and policy-makers.
Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin, CEO of the Public Health Association of Australia, highlighted that reversing the decline in childhood vaccination is a public health priority. He noted that the influence of social media, COVID-19-related challenges, and international misinformation have made boosting vaccine access and confidence more important than ever.
Slevin also said that improving vaccine uptake will likely be a key focus for the Australian Centre for Disease Control when it is permanently established next year. He stressed that while vaccines have saved over 150 million lives worldwide, young Australians remain at risk if immunization rates continue to fall.
