Immunisation
The CESPHN Immunisation Program aims to reduce the incidence of vaccine preventable diseases in the community by providing appropriate and timely information to immunisation providers and the community and promote the delivery of the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Support for immunisation providers
We support general practices, pharmacies and residential aged care homes, to:
- Deliver immunisation services in accordance with the National Immunisation Program and the NSW Immunisation Schedule.
- Improve immunisation coverage rates across the central and eastern Sydney region through the delivery of QI activities.
- Meet obligation for mandatory reporting of immunisation encounters to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
- Maintain vaccine potency and efficacy by adopting cold chain management (CCM) processes in accordance with the National requirements and NSW requirements.
As of June 2024
92.9
of children in CESPHN region were considered fully vaccinated at 1 year.
90.5
of children in CESPHN region were considered fully vaccinated at 2 years.
92.5
of children in CESPHN region were considered fully vaccinated at 5 years.
Over the past 12 months, the Immunisation team has continued to make significant strides in improving vaccine access, coverage, and education across our region. Through a combination of data-driven initiatives, stakeholder engagement and reliable, responsive guidance, the team remains a key support for our local immunisation providers.
PHN childhood coverage rankings – green line indicates start of CESPHN childhood immunisation QI project
18.46%
reduction in overdue children within CESPHN general practices registered to participate in the 2024 program, equivalent to almost 1000 children no longer overdue for vaccination.
Childhood immunisation project
Driving improvements in childhood immunisation
A core focus of our work has been the consistent support to general practices through our monthly Overdue Childhood Immunisation QI activity. This initiative achieved an 18.46% reduction in overdue children within CESPHN general practices registered to participate in the 2024 program, equivalent to almost 1000 children no longer overdue for vaccination.
Our efforts in this space were recognised nationally when we were invited to present at the 2025 Communicable Diseases and Immunisation Conference in June. The presentation showcased our systematic approach to supporting primary care providers, the measurable improvements in childhood immunisation, and the value of continual, collaborative engagement in driving immunisation equity.
When benchmarked across all 31 PHNs nationally, CESPHN data has shown significant improvement across all three age cohorts since the commencement of the Overdue Childhood Immunisation QI Activity in early 2020:
- One-year olds: currently ranked 7th out of 31 PHNs – from 23rd rank in first quarter of 2020
- Two-year olds: currently ranked 17th out of 31 PHNs – from 26th rank in first quarter of 2020
- Five-year olds: currently ranked 21st out of 31 PHNs – from 30th rank in first quarter of 2020
Congratulations to all immunisation providers in the region who are actively participating in our Immunisation QI Activity, as well as all providers delivering vaccination services to the community – your hard work is reflected in the ranking improvements.
National childhood immunisation rates trend downwards
Australia’s national aspirational coverage target is 95%. Childhood vaccination rates in Australia have been consistently declining after peaking in 2020, with rates falling every year since. Overall coverage rates were lower in 2024 than in 2020 for all routine childhood vaccines on the National Immunisation Schedule (NIP).
Despite CESPHN’s improved ranking when benchmarked against other PHNs in Australia, coverage rates remain below the national target of 95%. As national and global coverage rates continue to trend downward, it is important that we continue to support healthcare professionals to encourage timely uptake of childhood immunisations and communicate the importance of timely vaccination.
Expanding support to pharmacist immunisers
Pharmacies continue to play an increasingly important role in the delivery of vaccines, especially in expanding community access. Recognising this, our team has significantly broadened its support to include pharmacist immunisers across the region.
This includes a dedicated monthly newsletter tailored specifically for pharmacists, providing timely updates on vaccine availability, training opportunities, legislative changes, and clinical reminders. In addition, we offer in-person practice visits and virtual support, helping pharmacists navigate the complexities of the immunisation landscape—from reporting requirements to patient eligibility and cold chain management.
Improving vaccination in aged care
Between June and December 2024, CESPHN partnered with both Sydney LHD and South Eastern Sydney LHD to deliver a targeted project aimed at improving vaccination coverage in residential aged care homes (RACHs).
This collaborative initiative focused on the four age-recommended and funded vaccines—COVID-19, influenza, pneumococcal, and shingles. Through surveys and semi-structured interviews with aged care staff, residents, and families, the project team was able to identify key challenges and develop practical, tailored solutions.
These insights informed the creation of tools and resources to support RACHs in monitoring resident vaccination coverage and facilitated timely vaccination for those due or overdue. Importantly, the project reinforced the importance of proactive, facility-led vaccine planning, supported by strong communication channels with local health networks and CESPHN.
The project strengthened vaccination processes in aged care and reinforced the value of collaboration in protecting older Australians—while also highlighting the ongoing need for dedicated support and ongoing improvements required in this space.