Why falling vaccination rates in children isn’t concerning experts

Data from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance has found Australia’s childhood vaccination rates have fallen for the second consecutive year.

Infectious disease paediatrician from the University of Sydney, Professor Robert Booy, says it’s not cause for alarm but attention should be paid to groups who have low vaccination rates.

“They include Indigenous Australians, especially in remote areas – the rate in them has dropped by … two per cent, we need to pay attention to that because they’re at greater risk of infection in the first place because of their circumstances,” he told 3AW Drive.

Press PLAY to hear what experts believe have contributed to the fall in vaccination rates

He also says, while the last two years have seen a drop in vaccination rates, he expects the rates to come back up.

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