Australia’s woeful adult vaccination rates could be significantly bolstered if they were promoted better and made cheaper and easier for people to obtain.
Landmark new vaccination data from Lung Foundation Australia shows Aussies are hugely in favour of placing targets on adult vaccinations, investing in information campaigns and making clinically recommended vaccinations free.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said the organisation’s new Vital vaccines for Australian adults Information Paper found the COVID pandemic had irrevocably changed the landscape when it came to adult vaccination rates, with misinformation a key driver of the nation’s low take-up.
“Australia’s child vaccination coverage is world-leading. Our adult coverage is not,” Mr Brooke said.
“For Australian adults, the most common barriers to receiving vaccination are out-of-pocket costs, not knowing which vaccines are free, and not knowing which vaccines to get, or when.
But overwhelmingly, people want this to change. Our survey found:
- 83 per cent of Australians want national targets for adult vaccination coverage
- 86 per cent support increased investment in support and vaccination information for the community
Accordingly, Lung Foundation Australia listened and is advocating to help turn our adult vaccination rates around; in particular for COVID-19, Influenza, Pneumococcal disease, Whooping cough and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Mr Brooke said five key vaccination priorities were now a focus for the nation’s peak lung health organisation.
- Implement adult vaccination targets
- Recognise Australians living with a lung disease as a priority population for vaccination
- Invest in multi-strategy and co-designed vaccination awareness campaigns and community education
- Support primary care to better meet the vaccination information and service needs of Australians
- Make clinically recommended vaccinations free.
“Australia has targets for child and adolescent vaccination, but not for adults,” he said.
“Targets focus efforts and the allocation of resources, create accountability for funders, and demonstrate the importance of vaccination to the community.
“Additionally, vaccine-preventable respiratory infections affect the health of the one-in-three Australians living with a lung disease, more than others, and this is something which should be especially focused on. “
Mr Brooke said the COVID-19 pandemic heightened vaccination hesitancy and misinformation, while community confusion about adult vaccination recommendations, availability, scheduling, and costs is also a stumbling-block.
“Australians want vaccination information and administration from primary care providers but barriers to clear communication and accessibility require system reform, provider upskilling and culturally-safe practices.
“Finally, it’s time for Australia to make all clinically recommended vaccinations free and accessible for everyone.
For media enquiries please contact:
Lung Foundation Australia Media and Communications Specialist
Anna Hilton
0408 191 192
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