The strategy provides a framework to increase and sustain immunisation uptake in Australia over the next five years. It takes a whole-of-system approach to immunisation that is supported by six priority areas. The strategy sets a vision for a healthier Australia through immunisation. It is supported by a mission to reduce the impact of vaccine-preventable diseases through high uptake of safe, effective and equitable immunisation across the lifespan.​ 

Five guiding principles underpin the delivery of the strategy: equity; strengths-based; data-driven; future-focused and co-design.

Addressing inequities to achieve disease prevention for all is a critical component of the strategy. This requires an improved understanding of the barriers to vaccination, and the motivation to vaccinate within diverse communities and priority groups. The strategy focuses on co-design, including immunisation strategies that build community vaccine acceptance and improving trust in health and prevention systems.

The strategy includes reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic. The National COVID-19 Vaccine Program (NCVP) was one of the most significant achievements in Australia’s public health history. Despite the successes of the NCVP, the pandemic highlighted some important learnings.

Priority areas

1. Improve access to immunisation, with a focus on equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other priority populations.
2. Build trust, understanding and acceptance of immunisation in communities.
3. Use data more effectively to target immunisation strategies and monitor performance.
4. Strengthen the immunisation workforce.
5. Harness new technologies to respond to the evolving communicable disease and vaccine landscape.
6. Implement sustainable reform in vaccine program governance, program delivery and accountability.