Immunisation rates for some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the ACT have fallen to be the lowest in the country, while rates for the overall population stayed relatively in line with national averages.
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Statistics from the Australian Immunisation Register, formally the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register, showed the rates of five-year-olds fully immunised fell by six per cent, to be below the national average for the first time in four years, and the lowest of any state or territory.
The rate of fully immunised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Canberra aged one and two increased from 2015 to 2016, but for two-year-olds the number was still below the national average.
ACT health minister Meegan Fitzharris said the government was investigating options to enhance coverage rates for children.
She said due to the low number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children residing in the ACT, there has historically been significant fluctuations in the immunisation coverage rates
"We can do better," Ms Fitzharris said.
"ACT Health is continuing to monitor immunisation coverage rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and it's important that we see what is and what is not working."
She said the impact of new strategies would not be evident immediately, but the government would continue to work with the community and primary health providers to improve rates.
The most recent immunisation data, to September 2016, showed that overall in the ACT for those aged two and five, statistics had stayed relatively in line with the national average, while statistics for one-year-olds increased by about one per cent from the previous year.
The ACT continues to lead the states overall in vaccinations for one and two year olds, and the overall rate for five-year-olds is above the national average.
The 'no jab, no pay' policy, introduced on January 1, 2016, was expected to have an effect on the rates of fully immunised children in Australia.
The policy required compulsory immunisation for those receiving welfare payments, with conscientious objection no longer a valid reason for not immunising.
An ACT spokeswoman said the policy was a program for all people under the age of 20.
"It is difficult to determine what impact the 'no jab no pay' program has had on immunisation coverage rates in the ACT as many factors can affect the rates," the spokeswomen said.
"It is unknown if the coverage rates in the older age group has increased and, if so, by how much, as no base line data is available."
The spokeswoman said immunisation was critical for the health of children and the wider community.
"For immunisation to provide the greatest benefit, a sufficient number of people need to be vaccinated," the spokeswomen said.
