Govt to build on 'no jab no pay' policy

The Turnbull government is targeting low vaccination areas with a new awareness campaign over the next three years.

File image: Measles vaccination

File image: Measles vaccination Source: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire/AP

The Turnbull government is rolling out a $5.5 million immunisation awareness program to encourage parents and carers to get their kids vaccinated.

Labor is disappointed the government isn't allocating more resources to this critical initiative.

Building on the government's successful "No Jab No Pay" policy, which saw around 200,000 extra children vaccinated, the new three-year campaign will target areas where vaccination rates can be as low as 64 per cent.

"These pockets of low coverage pose risks to the community, especially people who cannot be immunised because they are too young or for medical reasons," Health Minister Greg Hunt said in a statement on Sunday.

While Australia's national coverage is 93 per cent, the campaign will address myths and misconceptions surrounding immunisation while explaining the benefits of childhood vaccinations for both the individual and the community.

The government intends to use a range of advertising platforms combined with direct engagement at over 11,000 child care centres to target parents of children aged under five years.

Labor believes the government has not only dragged its heels on acting on this important initiative, it has failed to put enough money behind it to seriously combat the level of misinformation circulating in the community.

"Dangerous misinformation peddled by anti-vaccination proponents should never take the place of proven, scientific advice," Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and his health spokeswoman Catherine King said in a joint statement.

"Health experts have consistently reiterated the importance of getting accurate information to parents and have been calling on the government to act."


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Source: AAP


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