Immunisation rates for Western Sydney children are steadily rising thanks in part to the annual WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, Immunisation Bike Competition.
Latest data, published by the Department of Health and Aged Care, shows the immunisation rate for children 5 years and under increased by 1.42 per cent in the last decade. More than 92.7 per cent of children in this age group are now fully immunised.
Speaking at the annual winner’s presentation, WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, GP Clinical Director, Dr Michael Fasher said the Immunisation Bike Competition had played an important role in promoting immunisation to Western Sydney families since 2012.
“More than 17,000 children under five years have been immunised as part of the competition which has involved hundreds of general practices,” Dr Fasher said.
The winner’s ceremony, held at Blacktown Exercise and Sports Technology Hub, was attended by more than 30 extended families and included a guest appearance by Walter the Wombat
Winning a bicycle and helmet is a great healthy incentive for parents to ensure that their children are immunised.
Dr Fasher added “Having so many GP practices involved in this promotion has helped to improve our immunisation rates and protect children against vaccine-preventable disease”.
Vaccines provide the best protection if they are given on time, according to the NSW Immunisation Schedule. Vaccines are due at birth, 6-8 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 3.5 – 4 years. Childhood immunisations are available at local GP practices or Aboriginal Medical Service.
Every child who received their 12-month, 18-month or 4-year-old immunisation during the competition period was eligible to go into the draw to win a bike and helmet.
The list of this year’s winners can be found on our Immunisation Bike Completion webpage
View the Bike Competition presentation video here
Information is correct as of 6 March 2025