Top spots for Murrumbidgee immunisation rates
Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) has the highest rate of fully immunised one year olds, and also the highest rate of boys immunised against human papillomavirus (HPV) in Australia, a report just released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reveals.
The report, Healthy Communities: Immunisation rates for children in 2016–17, shows that about 93.5% of Australian one year olds were fully immunised, up slightly from last year’s rate of 93%, but still below the national target of 95%.
MPHN Acting CEO Melissa Neal said that the Murrumbidgee had achieved top honours for the highest rates of immunisation in two immunisation preventative activities.
“With a rate of 96.2% for fully immunised one year olds, the Murrumbidgee has not only exceeded the national target but has also achieved the highest rate in Australia.
“In addition, Murrumbidgee also had the highest rate in Australia for the immunisation of boys against the human papillomavirus (HPV); with 83.5% fully immunised compared to the national average of 74.1%,” Ms Neal said.
Ms Neal went on to say that the Tumut–Tumbarumba local area shared the highest rate of fully immunised five year olds in Australia, at 98%, with Broken Hill–Far West.
“These results are due to a collaborative effort by healthcare providers. We continue to work closely with local GPs and the Murrumbidgee Local Health District to maintain, and increase, our levels of immunisation across our region,” Ms Neal said.
Tracy Dixon, AIHW spokesperson, said the report examined immunisation rates across Australia’s 31 Primary Health Network areas.
“Despite the majority of Australian children being immunised, it’s important that we don’t become complacent. We need to maintain high immunisation rates to protect the vulnerable groups in our community,” Ms Dixon said.
“As a parent, immunisation is very important to me. Not only for the protection of my young son, but for the protection of other children as well,” Ms Neal said.
More information available in the factsheet and at My Healthy Communities
