Childhood vaccination insights

Icon of two people having a conversation
Understanding the barriers to vaccine uptake among children in Australia
Icon of two people having a conversation

Social science researchers from the National Vaccination Insights project have conducted a nationally representative survey to understand the barriers to uptake of National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines among children less than 5 years of age. 

The survey used the Vaccine Barriers Assessment Tool (VBAT), which was specifically developed to identify drivers of under-vaccination in children aged under 5 years in Australia.

Survey findings were presented and discussed in a strategy workshop with an immunisation stakeholder advisory group – comprising members representing policy, provider and community settings – with the aim of selecting and contextualising evidence-based strategies to address key barriers to vaccination. 

Preliminary findings were presented at the NCIRS webinar 'Falling childhood vaccination rates: current context and future strategies'.

A full report that includes findings from both the survey and the strategy workshop will be released in the coming months.  

A qualitative interview study with parents of children aged under 5 years is being undertaken to further understand barriers to NIP vaccination identified in the survey. Results are expected in 2025.

Another, shorter report focusing on results from a national survey to understand barriers to influenza vaccination in children is expected to be released in 2025.
 

About the project