‘Tens of thousands of young children unprotected’ as immunisation coverage hits five-year low in Australia

New data from NCIRS show that childhood vaccination coverage in Australia has declined for the fifth consecutive year, with around 80,000 children not fully vaccinated at key age milestones in 2025. Coverage has dropped across all early childhood age groups, raising concerns about increased vulnerability to preventable diseases such as measles, pertussis and diphtheria.

The decline is also being seen in adolescent HPV vaccination, with coverage falling well below national targets for cervical cancer elimination. Experts warn that these trends, combined with global increases in vaccine-preventable diseases, could lead to future outbreaks if not urgently addressed.

The data highlight ongoing inequities in vaccination uptake, particularly among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as well as a shift in drivers of under-vaccination, with parental concerns now outweighing access barriers. Strengthening implementation of the National Immunisation Strategy 2025–2030 will be critical to restoring confidence and improving coverage.

Read the full article to explore the data and recommended actions in more detail.