The Status of Immunization of Children in New South Wales Against Diphtheria and Poliomyelitis in February, 1972: A Sample Survey *

Overall rates of adequate primary immunization were satisfactory for the State for diphtheria, but barely so for poliomyelitis, taking 75% and 80% to 85% as the minimum acceptable proportions respectively. For both prophylactics, rates of administration of preschool doses were lower. Rates tended to be higher in the Sydney Statistical Division than in the remainder of the State and for diphtheria than for poliomyelitis; there was also an ethnic gradient in the rates of immunization, in the following descending order, according to the mother's country of birth: Australia, English speaking and European countries (other than Southern European countries), Mediterranean countries and others. Only up to 15% of respondents were able to produce records in respect of primary immunization and about half that proportion concerning preschool booster doses. Migrant parents tended, more than Australian parents, to obtain immunization for their children from councils rather than private doctors.