Haemophilus Influenzae type b vaccination coverage in the Australia Capital Territory for children aged nine months and two years

Abstract

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in children under five years of age. Immunisation can significantly reduce the impact of the disease. In order to allow for adequate public health planning, it is necessary to know the rate of immunisation in the population at risk. The Australian Capital Territory maintains a database which records the majority of vaccination events occurring in the Territory. Examination of these data allows accurate estimation of children’s immunisation status. Using criteria based on the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Australian Immunisation Procedures Handbook, 68% of nine month old children and 34% of two year old children were considered to be fully immunised at 31 March 1995. The Australian Childhood Immunisation Register should allow similar accurate estimation of immunisation rates in the future.