Like most developed countries Australia has long-standing mass childhood immunisation programs against poliomyelitis, pertussis (whopping cough), diptheria, tetanus, measles, mumps and rubella.:
Synopsis
Like most developed countries Australia has long-standing mass childhood immunisation programs against poliomyelitis, pertussis (whopping cough), diptheria, tetanus, measles, mumps and rubella. These programs, which are mainly administered by State/Territory governments, have been largely successful in eliminating poliomelitis. Although the immunisation programs have also significantly reduced the other preventable diseases, data indicate that outstanding outbreaks are still occurring at unacceptable high levels in Australia.
While is it difficult to quantify the cost of these vaccine preventable diseases there is no doubt that poor immunisation coverage rates lead to unnecessary health care expenditure and other economic costs.
