AROUND 20% of teenage Australians are missing out on vaccinations, putting them at risk as experts push for technology to be used to boost coverage rates, according to a report by the Immunisation Coalition.
The group says the issue is fuelled by lax parents underestimating the risks and children failing to pass on consent forms issued at school.
The four vaccines required in teen years are a booster shot for diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus as well as three rounds of the HPV vaccine, which protects against some cancers.
This year NSW, WA and Vic teenagers will also be offered meningococcal vaccine (PD 07 Feb).
The Coalition has called for the use of text message alerts from schools to parents, as well as moving consent forms online.
The University of Sydney's Professor Robert Booy says vaccination coverage at just 80% among teenagers is "dangerously low".
CLICK HERE for the report.
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