Immunisation rates in the Central West and South West are exceeding the national average with five-year-old children in Blayney, Millthorpe, Neville, Barry and including Tallwood, Forest Reefs and Spring Terrace  all having higher than national vaccination rates. 

The  2015-2016 data, based on the National Immunisation Program Schedule, was released in the Healthy Communities report on Thursday June 8.

Compared to a national average of 92.9 per cent, 100 per cent of five-year-olds in Blayney, 96.4 per cent in Orange and Bathurst and 96.2 per cent in Cowra were fully vaccinated during that time period.

Oberon came close to Blayney’s phenomenal result with 98.1 per cent of five year old’s fully immunised.

A Western NSW Local Health District spokesman said its immunisation team played a vital role in working with health professionals to ensure the immunisation coverage is at, or above the national average.

“Vaccinations are one of the best ways to protect yourself and children from vaccine preventable diseases,” he said. 

“Vaccinating children, adolescents and adults is vitally important in preventing the spread of vaccine preventable diseases in our communities.”

However, he said there are times when vaccination coverage may plateau. 

“It is important that people are aware of their immunisation status and ensure their children’s vaccinations are up to date,” the spokesman said.

“We continue to see whooping cough and encourage people to protect themselves through vaccination and present to their doctor if they are experiencing a persistent cough.”

Along with having a perfect rate of vaccinated five-year-olds, the four centres exceeded the national average in most other age groups.

For two-year-olds 96.6 per cent were vaccinated in Millthorpe and 94.2 per cent in Blayney, compared to 90.7 per cent nationally.