Immunisation is one of the most cost-effective health interventions. It has saved the lives of millions of people in all age groups worldwide from illnesses such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and measles.
Overall, Australia has excellent immunisation rates. According to the 2008 immunisation coverage report, targets were reached for children at 12 and 24 months of age, with rates of 91% and 92.5% respectively. These figures are a vast improvement on the 53% recorded in 1995, even allowing for some under-reporting at that time.
The high uptake and effectiveness of the vaccination program means that vaccine-preventable diseases are now rare. However, the 2008 report raised some concerns. Although most children eventually complete their scheduled vaccinations, many do not do so in a...
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