Most recent statistics, from the quarter ending on March 31, revealed that 98.47 per cent of five-year-olds in the HRCC area were vaccinated.

This was up from 94.2 per cent in the previous quarter and meant HRCC local government area was ranked 14^th in Victoria.

Within the Grampians region, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera shires both achieved 100 per cent coverage rates.

The average coverage rate for the Grampians was 97.05 per cent, which was higher than the state coverage rate of 95.7 per cent.

Council’s immunisation co-ordinator and Maternal Child Health Nurse Melanie Wade said the high coverage rates were welcomed.

“Our immunisation coverage rate has always been very high in Horsham Rural City Council during the past six years that I have been the immunisation co-ordinator, which is fantastic,” she said.

“Statistics vary from quarter to quarter, but council usually has a coverage rate of around 95 per cent for the three groups measured – 12-month-olds, two-year-olds and five-year-olds.

“It is important to note, however, that having one or two children overdue in a cohort can make a massive difference to the statistical number of children fully immunised.

“Approximately 80 per cent of all childhood immunisations done within shire are done by nurse immunisers employed at council, with the remaining 20 per cent being done by GPs, Aboriginal Health Services and Hospitals.”

She said coverage rates had risen substantially since the state government implemented its No Jab No Play laws in January 2016. 

“There are some families that have contacted Horsham Rural City Council in response to the No Jab No Play initiative,” she said. 

Ms Wade said immunisation was one of the best ways for individuals to protect themselves, their children and future generations from infectious diseases.

“By making sure you and your family are fully vaccinated – this means following the National Immunisation Program schedule set by the Australian Government – you are not only looking after your own family but also protecting vulnerable people in your community,” she said.

“You are also helping to wipe out these infectious diseases altogether. That is, the more people who vaccinate, and thus the fewer people who are infected, the less widely can a disease spread.

“Immunisation saves lives. As recently as the 1950s, thousands of children died every year from diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough.

“Luckily, it is rare for anyone in Australia to die from these infectious diseases now, thanks to the major vaccination programs introduced in the 1960s and 1970s, which continue today.”

Council’s next free public immunisation session will be held on August 2 at Kalkee Road Children’s and Community Hub.

Head to council’s website for further information and future dates.