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Story: Epidemics

International comparisons

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New Zealand’s immunisation rates are low compared to other developed countries. The vaccine known as DTP3 (the third dose of the diptheria-tetanus and pertussis vaccine) is considered a good indicator of how well health systems are providing routine immunisation to children.

This graph shows immunisation rates of OECD members (a grouping of 38 developed countries) for the DTP3 vaccine in 2021. New Zealand had the seventh-lowest national coverage rate (89.8%), well below the average (93.5%).

Using this item

Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

Source: OECD Data: Child Immunisation Rates, 2021

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How to cite this page

Geoff Rice, Epidemics – Epidemics, pandemics and disease control, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/graph/27776/international-comparisons (accessed 25 June 2026).

Story by Geoff Rice, published 8 February 2024.