Aboriginal immunisation

Aboriginal persons are at higher risk for some VPDs compared to non-Aboriginal persons. This is attributed to the higher rate of chronic health conditions and social circumstances that can lead to an increase in disease burden. Therefore, additional vaccines are recommended for Aboriginal people at certain ages.

The WA Aboriginal Immunisation Schedule (PDF 1.1MB) sets out a series of immunisations to be given at specific times throughout an Aboriginal person’s life.

NOTE: The Schedule is subject to change; please ensure to refresh your page or clear your browser cache to view the latest document

For Aboriginal children, these additional vaccines are for:

• hepatitis A
• influenza
• meningococcal disease
• pneumococcal disease

For Aboriginal adults, these additional vaccines are for:

• hepatitis B
• influenza
• pneumococcal disease
• Zoster (herpes zoster) (≥50 years)

Missed vaccinations

All Aboriginal children who have missed a routine childhood vaccination can receive it free up until they turn 20 years of age, while HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine can be received up to 26 years of age. For more information, visit WA Immunisation schedule and catch-up vaccines

Free hepatitis B vaccines are provided for all Aboriginal people over 20 years of age who are non-immune.

Read the hepatitis B vaccination program for Aboriginal adults – Frequently Asked Questions.

For further information, immunisation providers should refer to the WA Aboriginal Immunisation Schedule (PDF 1.1MB) for eligibility and guidelines for the provision of these vaccines.

Aboriginal immunisation is a priority of the Communicable Disease Control Directorate (CDCD) Immunisation Program. The WA Aboriginal Immunisation Network (WA AIN) was established to facilitate a systemwide approach to improve Aboriginal immunisation rates across WA. Representatives from both government and non-government organisations working in Aboriginal immunisation currently make up the network.

The WA AIN aims to bring together individuals and organisations committed to improving immunisation coverage rates in the Aboriginal community. Therefore, any person with a vested interest in improving Aboriginal health, specifically relating to immunisation are encouraged to join the network.

The CDCD Immunisation Program provides secretariat support to the AIN. To contact the network, please email AIN@health.wa.gov.au.

Forums

Annual workshops (forums) are held to to create a network that consists of diverse stakeholders from both public and private sectors, to facilitate a system-wide approach to improving Aboriginal immunisation outcomes. The forum provides an opportunity for all those working in Aboriginal immunisation to share information on current projects and develop future ideas to achieve better immunisation coverage in the WA Aboriginal community.

For a copy of previous summary reports, please email AIN@health.wa.gov.au.