Vaccination rates among teenagers in New South Wales have experienced significant declines since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, raising concerns among health officials. Data from NSW Health reveals that the vaccination rate for the human papillomavirus (HPV) among year 7 girls in the Hunter New England region has dropped by 17 percent, while the rate for boys in the same year group has fallen by 14 percent.
The implications of these declines are serious, as HPV is linked to various forms of cancer, including cervical, vaginal, anal, penile, and throat cancers. The vaccine, which is offered free through the NSW School Vaccination Program, is regarded as a vital preventative measure. Public health physician David Durrheim described it as “a wonderful prevention method” that should not be overlooked.
Drop in Overall Vaccination Rates
An analysis of vaccination data from 2019 to 2024 shows a concerning trend across multiple vaccines. The immunisation rates for the meningococcal ACWY vaccine have decreased by 10 percent, while rates for the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine have fallen by 14 percent. Dr. Durrheim articulated his concerns regarding these trends, noting that the HPV vaccination rate had previously reached approximately 80 percent coverage by the end of the year.
Despite the decline, he pointed out that there are still opportunities for adolescents to receive their vaccinations through pharmacies and school-based catch-up programs. “Before the pandemic, we were getting nine out of ten kids with catch-up vaccinations,” he said. “That figure has now dropped to eight out of ten, meaning two in ten are missing out.”
The drop in HPV vaccination rates is particularly alarming, with coverage among females decreasing from 85 percent in 2019 to 68 percent in 2024. For males, the rate fell from 81 percent to 67 percent during the same period. For year 10 students, the meningococcal ACWY vaccination rate has also decreased, from 73 percent in 2019 to 63 percent last year.
Contributing Factors to Decline
Dr. Durrheim highlighted several factors contributing to the decline in vaccination rates. One significant issue is that parents may have become more hesitant about vaccines since the pandemic began. Additionally, the transition to an online consent process for vaccinations has posed challenges for some families. To address this, NSW Health has reinstated a paper-based consent option.
Reminders for HPV vaccine consent are sent to parents, but Dr. Durrheim noted that these notifications sometimes get lost amid other information. He emphasized the importance of the HPV vaccine, stating, “Human papillomavirus causes cervical cancer. It could be eradicated with vaccination.”
Encouragingly, the vaccination regimen has evolved. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reviewed data and determined that a single dose of the HPV vaccine is as effective as the previous three-dose regimen. Dr. Durrheim pointed out that this change simplifies the vaccination process, making it easier for adolescents to receive the necessary protection.
Durrheim expressed deeper concerns about specific diseases. He warned that invasive meningococcal disease peaks at preschool age and in young adults, stressing the importance of the meningococcal ACWY booster for teenagers. He explained, “While cervical cancer is deadly a few decades later, meningococcal disease can be fatal in a very short time.”
With the ongoing decline in vaccination rates, health authorities are urged to act swiftly to reverse the trend. The implications of these declines are not only a public health issue but also a matter of community responsibility, as timely vaccinations can significantly reduce the burden of preventable diseases.
