Immunisation: the Victorian Picture

Immunisation remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions available. The nationally recommended Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule is the cornerstone of the National Immunisation Program, implemented by all States and Territories and key provider groups. Immunisation coverage in Victoria has gradually increased over the past few years. For the key indicators of ‘fully immmunised at age 12–15 months’ and ‘fully immunised at age 24–27 months’, Victoria is above the national average, with 92.3 per cent and 87.3 per cent respectively. Results of these and other key indicators are presented here with State and regional comparisons. Possible influences on increasing immunisation coverage are discussed, as are initiatives to improve Victoria’s program. Background Immunisation remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions available. 1 While diseases such as poliomyelitis and diphtheria have been eliminated from Australia, there remains preventable morbidity and occasionally mortality from diseases such as pertussis, measles, rubella and hepatitis B. In Victoria, both the public sector (largely local government) and private medical practitioners administer the immunisation program for preschool-aged children. In adults, both influenza and pneumococcal disease cause preventable morbidity and mortality in those at high risk, especially older persons and those with chronic disease. There has been increased emphasis in recent years on immunisation for older persons with influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. The nationally recommended Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule 2 is the cornerstone of the National Immunisation Program, overseen by a committee that comprises all States/Territories, the Commonwealth and key immunisation provider groups such as general practitioners. The purpose of this paper is to review the current performance of the Victorian Immunisation Program using indicators of immunisation coverage. Methods