RURAL doctors are warning falling vaccination rates and rising hesitancy could endanger communities across Australia.<\/p>\n
World Immunisation Week last week prompted renewed calls from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) for Australians to stay up to date with vaccinations.<\/p>\n
\u201cVaccines save lives – it\u2019s as simple as that,\u201d ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom childhood immunisations through to adult boosters, vaccines protect people at every stage of life and help prevent the spread of serious diseases in our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
National figures show vaccination uptake is falling across all age groups, with hesitancy identified as a key factor.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are seeing concerning signs that vaccine confidence is slipping in Australia,\u201d Martin said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe latest National Vaccination Insights report shows progressive declines in vaccine uptake across children, adolescents and adults over the past five years – and that should concern everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said concerns about safety and trust are increasingly affecting uptake.<\/p>\n
\u201cConcerns about safety and a lack of trust in information are contributing to hesitancy, and we are seeing that play out in everyday consultations,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Martin said rural doctors play a key role in delivering immunisation services.<\/p>\n
\u201cRural generalists are on the frontline – providing trusted advice, delivering vaccines, and ensuring patients don\u2019t fall through the cracks,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we don\u2019t address vaccine hesitancy now, we risk undoing decades of progress in preventing serious disease.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia also used World Immunisation Week to encourage Australians to seek vaccinations through local pharmacies.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorld Immunisation Week is the perfect time for patients to pop into their pharmacy and ask about vaccinations,\u201d National Vice President Simon Blacker said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPharmacists can check vaccination records, provide advice and administer a range of vaccines, including flu, measles, shingles and RSV.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blacker said pharmacies offer a convenient walk-in option.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore people are coming to community pharmacy for their vaccinations – last year 1 in 4 vaccinations were administered in community pharmacy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s quick, convenient and you can often walk in and get it done straight away.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said vaccination remains important for people at higher risk of serious illness.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know vaccinations save lives,\u201d Blacker said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey reduce the chance of you getting really sick and they reduce the chance of you making your loved ones seriously ill.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
RURAL doctors are warning falling vaccination rates and rising hesitancy could endanger communities across Australia. World Immunisation Week last week prompted renewed calls from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) for Australians to stay up to date with vaccinations. \u201cVaccines save lives – it\u2019s as simple as that,\u201d ACRRM President Dr Rod […]<\/p>\n