Aboriginal immunisation

WA Health is committed to improving vaccination rates for Aboriginal people.

Data from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) (external site) shows that Aboriginal children in Western Australia (WA) are receiving their vaccinations later and have overall lower immunisation rates compared to non-Aboriginal children. This leaves them vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).

Aboriginal peoples are a diverse population characterised by diverse languages, culture, and geographic distribution. The majority of Aboriginal people live in metropolitan areas compared to remote and regional settings. It is important for health practitioners to identify Aboriginal people and to assess their VPD risk based on an individual’s age, health, lifestyle etc, and in relation to vaccination recommendations.

The Superkids campaign (external site):

A campaign created for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families explains the importance of childhood immunisation to keep our kids and the community safe from serious diseases.

  • reminds families to have a yarn with health care workers about vaccines available on the schedule
  • informs families about how disease affects children and the community
  • educates families about the seriousness of vaccine-preventable diseases

There are also various videos and animations (external site) on childhood immunisation developed to help parents learn more about how vaccination can protect their child.

The Sharing Knowledge about Immunisation (SKAI)(external site) website has videos and simple information for parents and families on common questions around immunisation.

WA Aboriginal Immunisation Schedule
Hepatitis immunisations
WA Aboriginal Immunisation Network (WA AIN)
Aboriginal immunisation artwork

Using the term – Aboriginal

Within WA, the term Aboriginal is used in preference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, in recognition that Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants of WA.

No disrespect is intended to our Torres Strait Islander colleagues and community.

Last reviewed: 26-09-2024
Produced by

Communicable Disease Control Directorate