Vaccination rates in Australia have declined since the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a serious public health concern. Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and protect people from severe illness, hospitalisation, long-term health complications and death. However, health organisations across Australia have reported that fewer people are staying up to date with routine vaccinations and booster doses.

One of the major causes of this issue is a lack of education and awareness about immunisation. Many Australians are unaware that vaccines are needed throughout life, not just during childhood. Others do not realise they are due for booster vaccinations or are unsure where to find accurate information. As a result, vaccination rates have gradually fallen, leaving more people vulnerable to preventable diseases.

This decline in vaccination coverage means that more Australians are at risk of contracting diseases such as COVID-19, influenza (flu), diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), measles, pneumococcal disease and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These diseases can spread quickly through communities and may cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable groups.

The issue affects many Australians, including older adults aged 65 years and over, residents living in aged care facilities, babies and young children, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with weakened immune systems, healthcare workers and families across the country. These groups are often at greater risk of complications, hospitalisation and death from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Health experts have become increasingly concerned in recent years as vaccination coverage has continued to decrease. Childhood vaccination rates have gradually fallen between 2020 and 2025, while diphtheria cases increased in Northern and Central Australia during late 2025. Experts believe declining vaccination rates have contributed to the re-emergence of diseases that were previously well controlled through immunisation programs.

The problem is particularly noticeable in communities with lower vaccination coverage and in some aged care facilities where vaccination rates remain below recommended levels. This is especially concerning because older Australians are among those most vulnerable to severe illness from diseases such as COVID-19. Research has shown that adults aged 75 years and over face the highest risk of hospitalisation and death from COVID-19, highlighting the importance of staying up to date with vaccinations.

Vaccines do more than protect individuals. They help create community immunity, which reduces the spread of disease and protects people who may not be able to receive vaccines themselves. When vaccination rates decline, this protection weakens, making outbreaks more likely and putting entire communities at risk.

The World Health Organization recognises immunisation as one of the greatest public health achievements in history. Vaccines prevent millions of deaths worldwide every year and protect against more than 30 life-threatening diseases. Despite this success, many Australians still do not receive enough education about the importance of vaccination, the recommended vaccine schedule, or the benefits of remaining up to date with booster doses.

Without stronger vaccine education and awareness campaigns, vaccination rates may continue to decline, increasing the risk of preventable disease outbreaks and placing greater pressure on hospitals, healthcare workers and families. Increasing vaccine education and awareness across Australia will help people make informed decisions, improve vaccination rates, protect vulnerable groups and create healthier, safer communities for future generations.

This is why my campaign, "Increase Vaccine Education and Awareness in Australia," is calling on the government to invest in stronger public education programs, awareness campaigns and community outreach initiatives. Every Australian deserves access to accurate information about vaccines so they can make informed choices and help protect themselves, their families and their communities.