ACT leads the nation in childhood immunisation

ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Health Katy Gallagher MLA revealed today that the latest figures on childhood immunisation show the ACT is leading the nation. She has also released the ACT Government's draft Immunisation strategy for community consultation, which is hoped will further boost the ACT's historically high immunisation rates.

"I'm happy to announce that the ACT has again achieved the highest coverage rates in Australia for all children at 12 months, and 5 years and the second highest for children at 2 years," the Chief Minister said.

The December 2011 quarter data contained in the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) is compiled from data collected from immunisation providers on vaccinations given to children up to seven years of age.

"Immunisation in the ACT is an ongoing, collaborative effort between public and private immunisation providers, and these groups have formed strong partnerships to raise awareness of the value of immunisation and the importance of receiving vaccinations at the correct time.

"I am also pleased to be able to release the draft ACT Immunisation Strategy 2012-2016 and am seeking the communities' views on it. The Strategy is focused on five key areas: childhood immunisation; adolescent and adult immunisation; populations at risk; communication and education; and supply and safety of vaccine.

"It aims to provide support for better delivery of immunisation programs and improve the quality of information about immunisation for providers and the broader community.

"The strategy also aims to increase immunisation rates among vulnerable people of all ages, with a special emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

"I hope our continued efforts in this area will ensure that that people maintain adequate immunisation throughout their lives, that we improve the coverage of children, achieve our national benchmarks and maintain our high immunisation rates," the Chief Minister concluded.

The draft strategyis available online at http://www.health.act.gov.au/communityconsultation and hard copies are available from public libraries and ACT Government Shopfronts until 30 March 2012.

Statement ends.