Declining Vaccination Rates Among Children in Australia
Vaccination rates among children have been on a steady decline, particularly at key developmental milestones. Data from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance shows that the number of fully vaccinated 12-month-olds has dropped by approximately four per cent between 2020 and 2025. This trend is concerning as it indicates a growing gap in achieving herd immunity levels.
Full coverage rates for two-year-olds fell below 90 per cent last year, down from 92 per cent in 2020. Similarly, five-year-olds saw their vaccination rates drop from 94 per cent to 92 per cent over the same period. These figures highlight a consistent pattern of lower-than-expected vaccination rates, especially when compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Historical data from the Australian Government’s Health Department reveals that vaccination rates for one and two-year-olds have fluctuated around the low 90 per cent mark since the early 2000s. This ongoing struggle underscores the difficulty in reaching the target of 95 per cent required for herd immunity.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has expressed concern over the declining vaccination rates among young children. He attributes this trend to global factors such as online misinformation and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Mr. Butler, there is a level of hesitancy and fatigue following the pandemic, alongside an increase in mis- and disinformation about vaccines.
“The proliferation of misinformation online is a significant challenge,” he said. “We need to review our information campaigns and ensure they are effective in countering this misinformation and engaging those who are on the fence.”
Maryke Steffens, who leads the National Vaccination Insights project at the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, notes that there has been a consistent decline in vaccination coverage since 2020, when the pandemic began. While the drops each year are not massive, the cumulative effect is worrisome.
Dr. Steffens warns that rising cases of measles and whooping cough could be a “canary in the coal mine” for broader health concerns. She explains that if vaccination rates continue to fall, other diseases like diphtheria and polio could re-emerge. Although polio was eradicated in Australia in 2000, diphtheria remains a threat.
The 2025 National Vaccination Insights project identified three main barriers to vaccination: negative beliefs about vaccine safety, lack of trust in healthcare providers, and parents not prioritising vaccination. Notably, the most significant increase in barriers this year was related to parents not trusting information about vaccines from their doctor or immunisation nurse.
Practical challenges also play a role, such as the cost of GP visits and the difficulty in scheduling appointments. Dr. Steffens highlights that many parents find it challenging to access bulk billing GPs, especially in regional areas. Despite knowing the importance of vaccines, some parents feel overwhelmed by the demands of parenthood and the competing priorities in their lives.
“Parenthood can be really challenging,” she said. “It’s one of the best ways to keep your child healthy, and it’s worth prioritising.”
Parents also report feeling distressed due to mixed messages about vaccines, particularly after the US Centre for Disease Control scaled back its recommendations. The reduction in the number of recommended vaccines from 17 to 11 has caused confusion, with some parents questioning the safety of vaccines.
Holly Seale, a social scientist from the UNSW School of Population Health, argues that scare campaigns do not effectively increase vaccination rates. Instead, simple, positive messaging about the benefits of vaccination has proven more successful. For example, campaigns highlighting the ability to spend time with family or enjoy holidays have resonated well with parents.
“We know that for some people, death still occurs from vaccine-preventable diseases,” Professor Seale said. “For most kids, however, getting these diseases means missing out on school and time with friends. Getting vaccinated is about reducing the risk of missing out on life.”
As a mother of two, Professor Seale understands the challenges faced by time-poor parents. She suggests making vaccinations as convenient as possible, such as receiving multiple vaccines in one visit. Pharmacies now serve as a valuable resource for vaccinations, offering access to trained health professionals.
“Misinformation from the pandemic can have a lasting impact,” she said. “It’s important to address these concerns by seeking accurate information from GPs or pharmacists.”
Ultimately, the key to improving vaccination rates lies in clear communication, accessible services, and addressing both practical and psychological barriers. By fostering trust and making the process easier, Australia can work towards restoring public confidence in childhood immunisation.
