A new national campaign, ‘One more way you keep them safe’, launched to encourage parents and carers to keep their children up to date with routine immunisations.
Childhood immunisation is a safe, free and effective way to protect children from serious diseases. Getting vaccinated on time provides the best protection during a child’s early years, when they are most vulnerable.
The campaign promotes the importance of following the routine childhood immunisation schedule, which outlines the recommended vaccines from birth to 4 years of age. Under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), these vaccines are available free for eligible children who have, or are eligible for, a Medicare card.
The campaign has been developed in response to declining childhood immunisation rates and growing uncertainty about vaccines among some parents and carers. It aims to provide reassurance about vaccine safety and highlight the importance of completing the immunisation schedule on time.
The First Nations ‘Superkids’ version was developed, using culturally relevant messages and images to engage communities in conversations about childhood immunisation.
The campaign will run nationally across television, cinema, print, online, social, search, out of home places such as parents and waiting rooms, and integrated partnership podcasts with Mamamia and Happy Families. There are also translations for culturally and linguistically diverse audiences.
Parents and carers are encouraged to speak with their health professional to ensure their child’s vaccinations are up to date.
For more information about childhood immunisation and to view the campaign, visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.