Vaccination is one of the most effective ways we protect ourselves, our families and our communities from serious and preventable diseases. Immunisation has dramatically reduced illnesses such as measles, polio, whooping cough and viral hepatitis in Australia. When vaccination rates fall, these diseases can return.

This puts individuals at risk and weakens community protection, especially for babies, older people and those with weakened immune systems.

Vaccines help the immune system recognise and fight infection before illness occurs. When enough people are vaccinated, diseases struggle to spread, protecting the whole community.

ASHM and Hepatitis Australia describe vaccination as one of Australia’s most important public health achievements. In relation to hepatitis B, they state that the birth-dose vaccine is “safe, effective and necessary” to protect babies from lifelong infection and serious liver disease.

They also highlight that hepatitis B vaccination programs have significantly reduced new infections and helped prevent future cases of liver cancer.

Australia’s Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, ATAGI, strongly supports vaccination. In its advice on hepatitis B, ATAGI states that “vaccination at birth is critical”, noting that babies who come into contact with hepatitis B at birth have “around a 90 per cent chance of developing a chronic hepatitis B infection” if they are not vaccinated.

ATAGI also emphasises that completing the full vaccine course provides “long-term protection against serious disease”.

Despite clear evidence and expert guidance, vaccination coverage in Queensland has declined. Rates for young children are now below the level needed to maintain strong community protection.

Health experts warn that even small drops in coverage increase the risk of outbreaks of diseases such as measles and whooping cough.

Babies and children are protected from serious infections such as measles, polio, hepatitis and meningococcal disease. Adolescents and adults benefit from vaccines for HPV, influenza and whooping cough. Older adults and people with certain health conditions may need additional vaccines to reduce the risk of severe illness.

The Queensland Immunisation Schedule outlines which vaccines are recommended and when.

Not everyone has been able to follow the recommended immunisation schedule. Some people may have missed vaccines due to migration, access barriers or disruptions to healthcare.

The Australian Immunisation Handbook states that catch-up vaccination allows people to “safely and effectively complete missed vaccines at any age”. This is particularly important for culturally and linguistically diverse communities and people new to Australia.

GPs, community health services and multicultural health programs can support individuals and families to access catch-up vaccinations and trusted information.

Vaccination is especially important for women planning a pregnancy or who are pregnant. Some infections can cause serious complications during pregnancy or harm a developing baby.

ATAGI advises that vaccination should be considered as part of routine pre-conception and antenatal care. Vaccines such as influenza and whooping cough protect both the pregnant person and their baby in the early months of life.

ASHM reminds us that high vaccination coverage “protects those most at risk” and helps prevent the return of serious and preventable diseases.

You can help by checking your immunisation status, talking with your GP about missed vaccines and using trusted resources to stay up to date.

Vaccines save lives. Staying protected helps keep Queensland communities healthy and strong.

We’re here to help. For hepatitis testing, vaccination, and treatment information, call the Hepatitis Queensland Infoline on 1800 437 753. If you need more information regarding vaccinations call the National Immunisation Line on 1800 671 811 for general advice and information about immunisation.