The Minns Labor Government is investing $15 million over four years to boost immunisation rates for priority populations, including Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities across Sydney.
The Priority Populations Immunisation Program aims to increase vaccine access and uptake in population groups which have been identified as having low vaccination coverage or face barriers to vaccination.
The funding includes building immunisation capacity across NSW Health services through additional staff and a Community Connectors for Immunisation Grants Program.
These community connectors will work closely with local health districts to increase knowledge and understanding of vaccination within their communities and how to access immunisation services for a range of vaccines, including influenza, shingles and pneumococcal vaccination for eligible cohorts.
As part of the Grants Program, eight not-for-profit organisations will receive up to $100,000 per year to champion vaccination in CALD communities in Western Sydney, South Western Sydney, South Eastern Sydney and Sydney.
The eight organisations include:
- Accessible Diversity Services Australia
- Advanced Diversity Services
- Arab Council Australia
- CASS care
- Community Migrant Resource Centre
- Cumberland Community Radio
- Ethnic Communities' Council of NSW
- Muslim Community Radio
The Program includes training and resource development to support these organisations to recruit community connectors who will raise awareness of the importance and effectiveness of vaccination for children, adolescents and adults, and identify barriers to accessing vaccination among these communities.
The NSW Health program is supported by behavioural insights experts from the University of NSW who have experience in developing and delivering training and relevant resources for CALD communities.
For more information on vaccination and NSW immunisation programs visit Immunisation programs.
Quote attributable to NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
"Making sure people get vaccinated helps keep our communities healthy and reduces the burden of preventable diseases on our health system.
"The NSW Government is committed to improving vaccination rates among priority populations, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
"This funding will enable NSW Health to work in partnership with community organisations to increase awareness and access of vaccines among CALD communities with the lowest vaccination rates.
"We want these communities to know that vaccination is safe and effective. It is the best way to protect yourself and the broader community from serious illness and hospitalisation from a range of diseases."
Quote attributable to NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper:
"This is a fantastic initiative and important funding, which will help to better protect our diverse communities from serious illness.
"It's important we do all we can to improve accessibility and educate our diverse communities on the benefits and importance of vaccination, to better protect themselves and their communities. This collaboration will go far in improving health outcomes for people from diverse backgrounds."
