However, it's important to take a broad view, and to acknowledge circumstances that potentially make achieving some of the targets more difficult than it might initially appear.
In the Whanganui District Health Board area there appear to be a significant number of parents who, for whatever reason, elect not to have their children immunised.
We are not alone in this. Other health boards face similar issues, and to date it is only the South Canterbury District Health Board that has reached the Ministry of Health's target.
Parents are, of course, fully within their rights to decide how they bring up their children.
But it must be tremendously frustrating for health workers who do their best to try to promote a course of action they believe is the best possible way to ensure ongoing good health for some of this country's youngest citizens.
And yet, a parent's right to choose remains sacrosanct, and rightfully so.
Thankfully, it at least appears that many of those who are choosing not to immunise are doing so from a position of knowledge.
When dealing with an issue as important as the health of our children, the least those of us who don't work in the sector can do is ensure we are informed, as best as possible.
If health boards nationwide continue to fail to meet the target, the Government may at some point need to consider whether the target is in fact achievable at all.
If it is convinced health authorities are doing all they can to educate the public as to the benefits of immunisation, and despite this the targets are still not being met, then change may be necessary.
Aspirational targets are a useful measure.
But they need to be grounded in reality, and in this instance another look may be needed at the immunisation issue.
Feedback: editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz
