Record vaccination rates

The latest figures from East Gippsland Shire Council’s immunisation program show the region’s four-year-olds are well protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.

A total of 98 per cent of East Gippsland’s four-year-olds have had all the vaccines recommended for their age in the National Immunisation Program Schedule.

Council’s Immunisation Coordinator Vicki Wall said this high level of coverage was a great result.

“We’re also very pleased to have achieved 100 per cent coverage of Aboriginal children aged four years.

"These are great figures for our community, as they are above the coverage rate needed for herd immunity,” Ms Wall said.

“The herd immunity rate is 95 per cent of a population; it is fantastic to see such a good coverage rate for a vulnerable age group.

“Herd immunity is vitally important. It prevents diseases from spreading in our community, and protects people who are not vaccinated, too young to be vaccinated, and people who are unable to be immunised for medical reasons,” Ms Wall said.

Measuring childhood immunisation coverage lets council and other health providers keep track of how protected we are against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Council holds regular immunisation sessions in Paynesville, Lakes Entrance, Bruthen and Bairnsdale.

These drop-in sessions do not require a booking, vaccinations are available for adults and children.

Immunisation services are also available in Buchan Cann River, Mallacoota, Omeo and Orbost by appointment.

For more information visit the Immunisation page.