Childhood immunisation rates are at their highest levels ever,
with disease rates down as a consequence, according to a report
released today by the National Centre for Immunisation Research and
Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (NCIRS), based at the
Children's Hospital at Westmead and the University of Sydney, and
the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Vaccination Coverage in
Australia 2001-2002 shows that by the end of 2003, levels of
full immunisation were nearly 95% at 12 months of age, and reached
90% at 24 months of age, in line with national target rates.
Report co-author Professor Peter McIntyre (Director of NCIRS),
says that incidence of the eight diseases covered by four vaccines
on the routine childhood schedule prior to 2002 have all been
decreasing, in line with the improvements in immunisation levels.
The diseases and relevant vaccines are diphtheria, tetanus, and
whooping cough (DTP vaccine; Haemophilus influenzae type B
(Hib vaccine); measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR vaccine) and
polio.
'There was an overall decline in all 8 diseases, from an average
of 8046 cases per year in 1997-2000 to 7806 cases per year in
2001-02, with Australia remaining polio free,' Professor McIntyre
said.
'The lowest notifications on record in Australia occurred in
2001-02 for four of the diseases-measles, mumps, rubella and Hib.
This reduction in the number of cases has been largely due to the
combined efforts of government, health care providers and the
public in recognising the importance of these diseases and in
implementing and taking up immunisation programs appropriate for
our needs.'
However, the report highlights some future challenges for
Australia, in particular whooping cough, in the wake of an epidemic
in 2001 when incidence rose sharply and 6 deaths were recorded.
'Whooping cough remains a challenge to control because while
immunised children are protected, adolescents and adults continue
to spread the infection, often without realising it- immunisation
rates were low in the past and the vaccine wears off. Babies under
6 months, too young to be fully immunised, therefore remain at
risk,' Professor McIntyre said.
Recent changes to vaccine recommendations should help to reduce
whooping cough in the future - these include a whooping cough
booster vaccine provided for teenagers, and recommended for new or
intending parents.
Other challenges identified in the report include:
o high rates of influenza notifications and hospitalisation in
young children;
o relatively high rates of measles, mumps, rubella and Hepatitis
B in young adults, many of whom have not been vaccinated.
Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Vaccination Coverage in
Australia 2001-2002 was compiled using National Notifiable
Diseases Surveillance Scheme data from the Australian Government
Department of Health and Ageing, as well as AIHW data.
11 March 2005
Further information: Prof Peter McIntyre,
NCIRS, tel. 02 9845 1257, or 02 9845 3075.
For media copies of the report: Publications
Officer, tel. 02 6244 1032.
Availability: Check the AIHW Publications
Catalogue for availability of Vaccine Preventable Diseases
and Vaccination Coverage in Australia 2001-2002, March
2005.