New Project to Support CALD Communities to Build Confidence in Immunisation

The Priority Populations Immunisation Program (PPIP) is a major NSW Government initiative, delivering $15 million in funding through to 30 June 2028. Led by Health Protection NSW, a division of NSW Health, the program aims to improve vaccination rates among communities experiencing low coverage or significant barriers to immunisation.

A key element of PPIP is the Community Connectors for Immunisation Grants program, which supports not-for-profit organisations working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities to strengthen vaccine confidence, access, and uptake. Through this program, ECCNSW is proud to support a new community-led initiative, Pledging Protection: Empowering CALD Communities for Lifelong Immunisation Awareness, funded under the Community Connectors for Immunisation Grant by NSW Health.

The project is focused on improving vaccine awareness, confidence, and uptake among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities living in South Western Sydney, Western Sydney, and Sydney Local Health Districts. It responds to well-known barriers faced by many migrants, refugees, and humanitarian entrants, including limited access to information in their own language, difficulty navigating the Australian health system, and concerns influenced by misinformation or past experiences.

Pledging Protection works closely with Tamil, Nepali, and Thai communities, where lower vaccination rates or higher levels of hesitancy have been identified. The initiative recognises that mainstream health campaigns do not always reach everyone and that trusted, community-based approaches are essential.

Activities will include bilingual information sessions, in-language health resources, and outreach at cultural events and faith gatherings. A targeted social media campaign and a visible community “pledge” will also help encourage open conversations about immunisation and promote positive community norms.

The project is being delivered in partnership with multicultural and ethno-specific organisations, religious and community leaders, bilingual educators, local health districts, and service providers. These partnerships help ensure immunisation messages are culturally appropriate, consistent, and linked to accessible services.

By strengthening vaccine literacy and confidence, Pledging Protection aims to support higher immunisation uptake and help reduce the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. Importantly, the initiative also focuses on building longer-term trust in immunisation and empowering communities with the knowledge and connections they need to make informed health decisions.