A cross-sectional survey confirming the barriers and facilitators to vaccine uptake and timeliness among Aboriginal children in Perth, Western Australia

BACKGROUND: A decline in childhood immunisation coverage has occurred among all children in Australia since 2021. While Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 5 years have higher vaccine coverage than non-Aboriginal children in Australia, vaccination timeliness is a concern for younger children, potentially contributing to higher rates of vaccine preventable diseases and hospitalisation. We sought to confirm barriers and facilitators to vaccine uptake and timeliness in this population in Boorloo (Perth). METHODS: Building on findings from qualitative interviews with caregivers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Perth (2023), a cross-sectional survey of caregivers was undertaken (March to August 2025) to increase the validity and reliability of previous findings. RESULTS: Despite strong support for vaccination, with many children vaccinated on time, 58.1% of respondents indicated their child had previously been late for a vaccine. The main reason for delay was the child being unwell with another illness (48.0%), and lack of reminders about due dates (28.0%). Those seeking more information had questions about additional vaccines recommended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and wanted to receive this information during pregnancy. Most (88.4%) specified it would be helpful to receive reminders before vaccines were due. CONCLUSIONS: In this group, motivation to vaccinate was high. Community messaging about the safety of vaccination during mild illness may reduce delays. Caregivers can be supported in vaccine decision-making by receiving information during pregnancy. Reminder systems informing of upcoming due dates may assist with timely vaccination.