Child vaccination rates reach a record high
Vaccination rates in NSW have reached a record high with more than 93 per cent of five-year-olds now fully vaccinated.
Data from the latest Annual Immunisation Coverage Report has also revealed NSW has the highest vaccination rates in Australia for Aboriginal children with 97 per cent of five-year-olds vaccinated.
The NSW Government has committed $22.75 million in 2017-18 for immunisation programs, including $3.5 million for free flu shots for children aged from six months to five years old.
The free whooping cough vaccine for pregnant women has reduced the chance of infants with the illness being hospitalised by 94 per cent.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the report proves the government’s record investment in immunisation is paying off.
“Together with parents we are working to keep our children safe from potentially deadly diseases and our new No Jab, No Play laws will only strengthen these results,” Mr Hazzard said.
From 1 January 2018, children who are unvaccinated will no longer be able to enrol in preschools and early childhood centres.