Details emerge on number of kids who have died without vaccinations

Frightening details were released on Thursday about the number of children who have lost their lives because they weren't vaccinated.

Health experts say many of the deaths were preventable, caused by not getting the flu shot - and some doctors are laying the blame on the "anti-vaxxer" crusade.

For Sydney mother Amanda Clark, vaccinating her twins has been a top priority.

The two-year-olds have each been jabbed five times.

"I think it's really important," Clark said.

"Anything you can do for your child's health - why would you not?"

But a new study shows a worrying number of children are dying from diseases that could have been vaccinated against.

According to the NSW Ombudsman, over a decade-long period, 54 children died from diseases for which a vaccine was available, almost half of which could have been prevented.

Twelve children died from influenza and five from meningococcal - vaccines which are suggested but not compulsory.

"These tragic deaths should serve as a wake-up call for this government that they increase access," NSW Shadow Health Minister Tania Mihailuk said.

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Others, such as AMA NSW president Bradley Frankum, believe anti-vaccination campaigns have swayed some parents from immunising their children.

In 2016 the government put out new immunisation recommendations including vaccinations for pregnant women which could have saved 15 of those lives.

"We know that newborn babies, particularly those under six months, are particularly critical for influenza and whooping cough," NSW Health Officer Kerry Chant said.

But the government has admitted there is more work to be done to keep children protected.