Huge push to get kids vaxxed

PARENTS are being urged to get their children vaccinated against Covid-19 in the new year, as they continue to embrace immunisations against other serious diseases at record rates.

Children aged 5-11 will be eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine come January, after the Therapeutic Goods Association approved the Pfizer jab.

Appointments will be available around the country from January 10, and Health Minister Greg Hunt (pictured) said Australian parents already had a great reputation of having their children vaccinated.

“Our world leading vaccination rates of over 95 per cent for other medical conditions gives us great confidence that families will embrace (the) Covid-19 vaccination for children when they become available in the coming weeks,” Mr Hunt said.

Data from the year to September 2021 shows Australia has remained above the target of 95 per cent vaccination for five-year-old children.

Mr Hunt said having 95.12 per cent of all children vaccinated meant Australia had a level of herd immunity that could stop vaccine-preventable diseases spreading in the community, such as hepatitis B, whooping cough, measles and polio.

In addition, the vaccination rate for five-year-old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children continues to be above the national average at 97.02 per cent.

“(This) is well above the estimated World Health Organisation international average immunisation coverage rate of 86 per cent for five-year-olds, making Australia a world leading vaccination nation,” Mr Hunt said.

Mr Hunt said the Covid-19 pandemic had caused issues for families and delays in following the vaccination schedule, but as Australia seeks to find its new normal it was time to “consult with your medical professional and get back on track”.