Geography is a major factor in childhood vaccination results

A Canterbury University researcher found geography had a significant impact on immunisation, after studying trends over the past 11 years.

Dr Lukas Marek says figures dropped in areas including the central southern North Island, around Auckland and Northland, and in northern parts of the South Island.

He says small towns also have lower immunisation rates.

Marek says the drop may relate to problems accessing suitable, and culturally appropriate, healthcare.