This indicator reports on the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over who are immunised for pneumonia. The goal for this indicator is 33% by 2023.
Why is it important?
Immunisation is important in protecting older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people against harmful infectious diseases. Indigenous Australians may be at increased risk of severe illness resulting from pneumonia (pneumococcus) due to other risk factors and comorbidities.
What data are available?
Data on immunisation for pneumonia are available from ABS health survey data. The most recent such survey with estimates for Indigenous people was the 2018–19 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (ABS 2019).
What do the data show?
Progress towards the goal is on track.
- The proportion of Indigenous Australians aged 50 and over who reported that they had been immunised for pneumonia in the previous 5 years fluctuated over time.
- In 2018–19, the rate (32%) was above the trajectory point required to meet the goal (31%).
In 2018–19, among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over:
- 27% of those aged 50–64, and 46% of those aged 65 and over reported that they had been immunised for pneumonia in the previous 5 years
- 67% of those aged 50–64, and 44% of those aged 65 and over had never been immunised for pneumonia.
- Indigenous Australians aged 50 and over who lived in Remote areas were slightly more likely to report that they had been immunised for pneumonia than those in Non-remote areas—34% compared with 32%.