6 July 2022

Paediatricians and physicians from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) are urging parents to ensure that they are up to date with their child’s immunisation schedule.

RACP President, Dr Jacqueline Small says “The fact that this is the first case of the disease in NSW in many years shows just how effective and important vaccination is.

“For the most part, parents in Australia are doing the right thing and following the recommended vaccine schedule for their kids. We are very close to the target of a 95% vaccination rate for children in Australia.

“Vaccines have been incredibly effective in keeping serious diseases like diphtheria, measles and whooping cough at minimal levels.

“Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in some of these diseases due to a small minority of children who are not vaccinated.

“We know that parents sometimes have concerns about the safety and efficacy of vaccines and there is unfortunately misinformation on social media about vaccination that might be contributing to some parents to choose not to vaccinate their children.

“We urge all parents to speak to their paediatrician or GP about the vaccines and raise any concerns that you might have to ensure you are receiving up to date information about vaccine safety and efficacy.

“If you have any uncertainties about your child’s immunisation status – now is the time to check it. You can speak to your paediatrician or local GP, or even check your Medicare records.

“Even if your child is beyond the recommended ages under the national vaccine schedule – it is still not too late to get your child up to speed with their immunisations.

“Vaccines are free, easily available, and so effective at preventing or mitigating a range of diseases in children.”