Vaccination rates for children at five years of age have reached the highest level ever, with more than 93 per cent. 

This is a high increase, compared to the rate of 87.6 per cent in 2010.

The high rate was achieved through $22.75 million 2017-18 immunisation programs, including the $3.5 million flu shot initiative, freely available to children aged from six months to five years old. 

In addition, children who were unvaccinated could no longer be enrolled in preschools and early childhood centres from 1 January 2018. 

“Together with parents we are working to keep our children safe from potentially deadly diseases ad our new No Jab, No Play laws will only strengthen these results,” Health Minister Brad Hazzard said. 

Moreover, the initiative has included the $7.7 million 2017-18 NSW School Vaccination Program, $1.3 million The Aboriginal Immunisation Health Worker program, and education and training of nurses and midwives. 

Further, the free whooping cough vaccines for pregnant women have significantly reduced the chance of the hospitalization of infected infants by 94 per cent. 

Executive Director of Health Protection at NSW Health, Dr Jeremy McAnulty said that vaccination is a safe and effective way to reduce illness among children. 

“The scientific evidence is overwhelming that vaccination will protect children from serious illness and even death,” Dr McAnulty said. 

“We urge parents to get their children vaccinated on time to protect them and the wider community,” he added.