While Grampians Medicare Local has welcomed the findings of the latest National Health Performance Authority Report on immunisation rates for children, the report reveals Hepburn Shire is falling well below the region’s average.
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The shire has recorded a low participation rate of 85 per cent for one-year-old children compared to Ballarat with 91.8 per cent and Horsham with 96.4 per cent.
Participation rate for two and five-year-olds is 73.9 and 77.3 per cent respectively compared to Ballarat with 93.3 and 93.7 and Horsham 97.5 and 96.9 per cent.
Areas that have lower rates than national averages may be due to a range of factors including personal or cultural reasons, Grampians Medicare Local spokesperson Michelle MacGillivray said.
“There is still inaccurate information being sourced from the internet and we encourage people to have a conversation with their health professional, GP, maternal and child health nurse or nurse immuniser to gain a better understanding on the possible implications of not immunising their children.”
The report is also the first time figures have been tabulated for girls turning 15 years who took part in the school based human papillomavirus (HPV) program. Rates for the Grampians region (73 per cent) were higher than the national average (70 per cent).
Kathleen Brannigan, General Manager Community Services said the Hepburn Shire is aware of the low immunisation rate and has addressed this in its (council) Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.
“We (council) are seeking to increase immunisation coverage among children and adolescents by working with various stakeholders and the community.”
“Council has been actively involved in the “Be Wise Immunise” campaign, in conjunction with Networking Health Victoria, Hepburn Health Service and Medicare Local Grampians region,” Ms Brannigan said.
The shire is promoting Immunisation Week (April 21-27) through various media, she said.
