Western Victoria Primary Health Network tops childhood immunisation rates for fully vaccinated youngsters aged 12 to 15 months (96.62 per cent) and those aged 24 to 27 months (94.71).

This region takes in Ballarat, Warrnambool and Geelong.

The latest data is not broken into postcodes where Hepburn has traditionally had one of the state's lowest immunisation rates, about 85 per cent for five-year-olds.

But, the new data report shows in the statistical area surrounding Creswick, Daylesford and Ballan, full vaccination rates have jumped compared to a year earlier.

These rates are only marginally below the western Victoria average: 96.15 per cent for one-year-olds, up from 94.74 per cent; and, 96.27 for five-year-olds, up from 93.29 per cent.

For children in Daylesford, Creswick and Ballan, the biggest jump has been in full vaccination for two year-olds, up to 94.53 per cent from 87.81 last year.

Ballarat remains on par with the region's average: 96.56 for one-year-olds, 95.16 for two-year-olds and 96.27 per cent for five-year-olds.

Victorian immunisation rates have been on the rise since state No Jab, No Play laws were introduced in late 2017. Under law, immunisations must be up-to-date before a child starts childcare or kindergarten.

Western Victoria PHN ranks second highest in the nation for fully vaccinated five-year-olds, at 97.17 per cent, helping to ensure children are school-ready.

Childhood immunisations help to protect against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, pneumococcal disease, meningococcal, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type B, rotavirus, chickenpox, measles, mumps and rubella (German measles) and influenza.

Western Victoria PHN chief executive officer Leanne Beagley said the network worked closely with immunisation providers to support and educate healthcare workers in protecting more children against serious and life-threatening disease.

Families are urged to seek information from their general practitioner or maternal and child health nurse.

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