Andrew Rogers
CHILDHOOD immunisation rates across the district have reached alarming new lows, according to Swan Hill Rural City Council figures.
New data from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register shows fewer children are being immunised than in the previous two years, with the rate at less than five per cent of the Victorian average.
Public Health Services Team Leader Mel Bennett said the four-year-old age bracket rates were particularly concerning.
“The younger kids are still getting immunised quite well, but the rate is dropping off at the four-year-old and upwards age range,” Ms Bennett said.
“The four-to-five year-olds are an area we need to look at.”
For more on this story, pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (Nov 19).
