This indicator reports on the proportion of Indigenous 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 highly effective in reducing morbidity and mortality caused by vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccinations are an effective strategy for reducing disease disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations.
What data are available?
Data on immunisation for pneumonia (pneumococcus) are available from ABS health survey data. The most recent such survey with estimates for Indigenous people was the 2012–13 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (ABS 2013).
What do the data show?
No new data have become available for this indicator since the Implementation Plan goal was set. As such, there are insufficient data to determine if progress towards the goal is on track.
In 2012–13, among Indigenous Australians aged 50 and over:
- 29% reported that they had been immunised for pneumonia in the previous 5 years
- 23% of those aged 50–64, and 44% of those aged 65 and over reported that they had been immunised for pneumonia in the previous 5 years
- 69% of those aged 50–64, and 46% of those aged 65 and over had never been immunised for pneumonia.
Indigenous Australians aged 50 and over who lived in remote areas were more likely to report that they had been immunised for pneumonia in the previous 5 years than those in non-remote areas—35% compared with 27%.