Healthy futures: Data shows boost in Aboriginal childhood immunisation rates
Data from the Australian Immunisation Register has revealed that the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) boasts one of the country’s highest immunisation coverage rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged five years old.
Rachel Scobie, Director of Aboriginal Health at Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District
According to the latest data, almost 97 per cent of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged five have been fully vaccinated under the National Immunisation Program, exceeding national (94.45 per cent) and state (95.14 per cent) coverage target rates.
The National Immunisation Program provides routine childhood immunisations recommended for all children in Australia. Childhood immunisations are a free and safe way to provide the best protection for children against serious childhood infections, such as measles, mumps, whooping cough and tetanus.
“Vaccination is really important for our mob,” says Rachel Scobie, NBMLHD Director of Aboriginal Health.
“We have disproportionate rates of becoming unwell across our communities and this puts us at a higher risk of harm from disease, including from infections that are totally preventable through vaccination.”
Rachel attributes the strong coverage rates to years of dedicated work and trust-building between the community and NBMLHD’s Aboriginal Immunisation Health Worker, Kelly Hodges.
“Kelly’s ongoing engagement with the community has been crucial in improving access to immunisation,” she says.
Kelly Hodges, Aboriginal Immunisation Health Worker at Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District
Kelly explains how the work she does is making a difference for the community.
“One reason the Aboriginal Immunisation Health Worker program works so well is that I personally reach out to families of overdue children to remind them about due vaccines and to discuss any concerns they may have. A lot of work goes into this.”
“More work is still needed in the community to educate people about the importance of immunisation at all ages, such as adolescents and elders, and to address the concerns behind vaccine hesitancy,” says Kelly.
Outreach services through the Public Health Immunisation Team and Mootang Tarimi Mobile Outreach Service have further improved access.
“We regularly visit schools and community events like NAIDOC Day, offering health screenings and incidental access to vaccinations,” Rachel explains.
“It’s a welcoming space where people can have a yarn, ask questions, and get the information they need before deciding to vaccinate.”
“Being available to give information that’s needed in a safe, welcoming environment has really helped to build a strong and trusting relationship with our community,” says Rachel.
Rachel praises the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community for their commitment to keeping children safe.
“Our community is deeply driven by care for one another. Immunisation is an important part of this because it helps to make sure our kids are safe.”
“We are incredibly grateful to the community for their efforts. By choosing to vaccinate, they’ve helped reduce illness, strengthening the health of their family and the community.”
Catch-up vaccination is available for anyone who may have missed an immunisation.
“There’s no shame in missing a vaccination. Get in touch with the Public Health Unit for advice. Catch-up is especially easy if your children are under 20 years of age,” says Rachel.
Call 1300 066 055 to reach your local Public Health Unit and discuss immunisation or visit www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nbmlhd/services/aboriginal-health to find out about NBMLHD Aboriginal health services.