Australian kids set new record for vaccinations
Despite the anti-vaxxers' campaign, more kids than ever are getting their vital inoculations. Photo: Getty
The number of fully immunised Australian children has hit a record level, with close to 95 per cent vaccinated against deadly diseases.
New data for the March quarter reveals immunisation rates for all five-year-olds is 94.78 per cent, up from 94.67 per cent in the December quarter.
Australia has world-leading vaccination rates for children with the latest figures well above global vaccination coverage of 85 per cent.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said immunisation saved and protected lives, making it important to keep promoting the benefits of vaccines.
“The latest figures show that the vast majority of parents are hearing the message about the benefits of vaccinations and I am delighted that our public health campaigns and our immunisation programs are protecting all Australians,” he said in a statement.
Immunisation rates also continue to increase for one, two and five year olds, with Victoria and Tasmania both performing above the national rate.
Coverage rates for five-year-old indigenous children are at 96.66 per cent, outstripping the national figure.
-AAP