Maryam is in her final year of medical studies at Bond University. Despite this intense workload, Maryam still finds time to pen some informed articles on health issues. Her articles are reviewed by a senior practicing GP, Dr Gabrielle Du Preez-Wilkinson.
5 minute read
The Power of the Jab:
Immunisation in Australia
What’s in this article
Immunisation is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your community from serious illness. In Australia, vaccination programs play a vital role in preventing disease, saving lives, and keeping our health system strong. Here’s why staying up to date with your shots really matters.
Immunisation plays a critical role in maintaining public health, preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and reducing the burden of preventable illnesses. By strengthening the immune system against harmful pathogens, immunisation protects individuals and communities from severe health outcomes, including illness, disability, and death. In Australia, vaccination programs are a cornerstone of public health policy, with government and health organizations working diligently to ensure that immunisation rates remain high across the population.
The importance of immunisation
Immunisation helps the body develop immunity to specific diseases without causing the disease itself. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, which then recognize and neutralise harmful pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, before they can cause illness. Immunisation protects not only the individual but also helps create herd immunity, reducing the spread of diseases in the community, particularly among those who are most vulnerable, such as babies, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Vaccines are a cost-effective, evidence-based tool in disease prevention. According to Better Health Victoria, immunisation has saved millions of lives globally and prevented countless cases of severe illness and disability. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that vaccines prevent 2-3 million deaths every year worldwide by providing protection against diseases like measles, polio, and diphtheria.
Immunisation in Australia
In Australia, immunisation is widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to maintain public health. The Australian Immunisation Handbook provides comprehensive guidelines for the vaccination of individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, adults, and special risk groups such as Indigenous Australians.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reports that immunisation coverage rates in Australia are high, with most children receiving their recommended vaccines. For example, 94.5% of children aged 5 years are fully vaccinated, contributing to a significant reduction in the incidence of preventable diseases like whooping cough and measles.
Vaccination has proven essential in Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As outlined by the Australian Government Department of Health, immunisation against COVID-19 has been crucial in reducing hospitalisations, severe cases, and death. Australia’s vaccination rollout has been one of the most successful globally, with over 80% of Australians aged 16 and older having received their full COVID-19 vaccination course.
Immunisation is an essential tool for staying healthy and protecting communities from preventable diseases.
Effectiveness of vaccines in preventing disease
Immunisation has proven to be highly effective in reducing the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases in Australia. For example, before the introduction of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, Australia saw around 100,000 cases of measles annually. After the introduction of the vaccine, the number of reported cases has dropped by more than 95%, with fewer than 50 cases seen in recent years. This remarkable decline in disease burden highlights the vital role of vaccines in safeguarding the health of Australians.
Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation
Vaccine hesitancy—reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines—is a growing concern in Australia. This hesitancy is influenced by a variety of factors, including misinformation, lack of trust in healthcare systems, and cultural beliefs. According to a 2020 study, about 10% of rural Australians express hesitancy about receiving vaccines, citing concerns about safety, misinformation, and lack of trust in the healthcare system (PubMed Central, 2020).
The lack of trust in healthcare providers and the medical community can be a significant barrier to immunisation, particularly in rural and remote communities. This lack of trust often stems from historical experiences with healthcare systems that have been insensitive to the unique needs of these communities.
Need for ongoing vaccination
While the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the immediate benefits of immunisation, the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates goes beyond the current crisis. The WHO warns that disruptions to routine immunisation programs due to the pandemic could reverse decades of progress in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. Australia must continue to prioritise immunisation to protect vulnerable populations and maintain high levels of herd immunity.
When travelling overseas it is important that the vaccine requirements applicable to the countries you are visiting are checked. Allowing enough time to receive the vaccine or booster and for it to be effective prior to departure is also important.
Particularly in rural areas, ensuring that vaccination programs reach those who may otherwise be missed is essential for the long-term health of these communities. By overcoming geographical and social barriers, Australia can safeguard its health and continue to lead the world in vaccine access and public health outcomes.
While challenges remain, particularly in rural and remote areas, ongoing efforts and targeted strategies can help ensure that all Australians benefit from the protection that vaccines offer. As vaccination rates continue to improve, we can look forward to a healthier future for all.
Separating myths from fact
Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, there are still many myths and misconceptions that contribute to vaccine hesitancy. These myths are often spread through social media, word of mouth, or mistrust of the medical community. The Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC) has compiled and addressed several of these myths in their publication Myths and Realities: Vaccine Safety and Efficacy. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common myths and the reality behind them.
Myth: Vaccines cause autism
This myth gained traction from a fraudulent study published in 1998, which was later retracted, and has since been debunked by numerous high-quality studies. Extensive research, including studies involving millions of children, has shown no connection between vaccines and autism.
Myth: Natural immunity is
more effective than vaccines
Many people believe that natural immunity—gained after contracting a disease—is superior to immunity provided by vaccines. However, natural immunity often comes with severe health risks, including hospitalisation, long-term disability, or death. Vaccines provide a safer alternative by helping the body develop immunity without exposing it to the dangers of the disease itself. For example, contracting measles can lead to serious complications such as encephalitis, pneumonia, and even death, whereas the vaccine is both highly effective and safe.
Myth: Vaccines are not safe
Some believe that vaccines are unsafe and may cause harm. However, vaccines are among the most rigorously tested medical products. Before being approved for use, vaccines undergo extensive clinical trials and ongoing monitoring once they are on the market. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the potential risks, and serious side effects are extremely rare. The Australian Government’s immunisation program ensures that vaccines are regularly tested for safety and that any adverse events are swiftly addressed.
Myth: Vaccines contain harmful ingredients
Another myth is that vaccines contain harmful ingredients, such as mercury or formaldehyde, which are dangerous to human health. In reality, the trace amounts of ingredients like thimerosal (a mercury compound) or formaldehyde used in vaccines are safe and are included to ensure vaccine stability and prevent contamination. These ingredients are present in such small quantities that they pose no harm to the body. In fact, the level of mercury in vaccines is far below that of everyday environmental exposures.
Myth: Vaccination is just for children
Some believe that immunisation is only important for children and that adults do not need to keep up with their vaccinations. However, adults need vaccinations too, particularly for diseases like influenza, pneumococcal disease, and tetanus. The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends that adults receive periodic boosters to maintain immunity throughout their lives. For older Australians, vaccinations are essential in reducing the risk of severe diseases that can have more serious consequences in later years.
Myth: Risk of disease is so low that vaccines are unnecessary
Some people argue that diseases like measles are rare, so there is no need to vaccinate. However, outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases still occur, particularly in communities with lower vaccination rates. The risk of outbreaks can increase quickly when vaccination rates dip below the herd immunity threshold, which is typically around 95% for diseases like measles. By not vaccinating, individuals not only put themselves at risk but also expose vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns or those with compromised immune systems.
Maryam is in her final year of medical studies at Bond University. Despite this intense workload, Maryam still finds time to pen some informed articles on health issues.
Her articles are reviewed by a senior practicing GP, Dr Gabrielle Du Preez-Wilkinson.
An avid traveller, Maryam has explored various parts of the globe, fostering a particular interest in rural and vulnerable populations.