Vaccination rates in Australia have been on a worrying decline since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with recent reports indicating that this trend is becoming more pronounced. Vaccinations play a crucial role in safeguarding children from serious illnesses such as measles, mumps, rubella, and meningococcal disease. However, experts have raised alarms about the continuing decrease in vaccination uptake across various age groups.
The statistics reveal a concerning drop in immunisation rates over the past five years. For infants, the vaccination rate has decreased from 94.8% to 91.6%. This decline raises concerns about herd immunity, which is the collective protection that occurs when a significant portion of the population is immunised, making it more challenging for diseases to spread. Associate Professor Frank Beard from Sydney University noted that prior to the pandemic, vaccination rates were approaching 95%, but recent figures indicate a regression to levels not seen in the past decade.
Particularly alarming is the low vaccination uptake among two-year-olds, with regions like the NSW North Coast reporting just 85.6% of children fully vaccinated. Other areas with low rates include country Western Australia (85.8%), the Gold Coast (86%), and parts of Central Queensland and Wide Bay, where the rate hovers around 86.7%. South-West Sydney has a slightly better figure at 88%.
The decline in vaccination rates is partly attributed to polarised discussions surrounding vaccines that intensified during the pandemic. Additionally, some parents have reported financial difficulties associated with accessing vaccinations. The trend is even more pronounced among teenagers, with two out of ten not receiving the HPV vaccine by the age of 15, and three out of ten lacking protection against meningococcal disease.
As vaccination rates continue to plummet, the implications for public health and the potential resurgence of preventable diseases become increasingly concerning. It is imperative for health officials and communities to address these challenges and encourage a return to higher vaccination rates to protect future generations.