Immunisations
Immunisations are one of the most important service we provide. Immunisation has led to the decline of many high morbidity and mortality diseases.
Babies and children with parental consent, are routinely immunised against pneumococcal diseases, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, hepatitis B and haemophilus influenza type B, which are combined in one injection. Also Varicella (chickenpox). Immunisation against measles, mumps and rubella are also provided in one injection, and cannot be separated out. Each child has his or her own document (Well Child, Tamariki Ora book) to keep a record of these injections. Their medical record documents everything that they have received, along with the National Immunisation Register (NIR) where an external copy is held. The immunisation record will need to be shown, for example, when starting early childcare and school and sometimes when further education or work is undertaken.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine are now included in the immunisation programme, normally in Year 8 at school. This vaccine is given aiming to reduce transmission and infections of Human Papilloma Viruses. Info on following link It is still on offer to all youth to the age of 26 years.
Tuberculosis (TB) vaccines are each provided free for certain eligible groups identified by birth. Risk groups can have a funded / free meningococcal vaccine- details for this need to be discussed.
Meningococcal vaccines are available for the main bacterial causes of meningitis. Some of these are free for those residing in hostel-type accommodation. Please enquire
https://www.immune.org.nz/vaccines/available-vaccines/menactra
https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/medicines/m/meningococcal-vaccine/
Influenza vaccine is generally available April until December each year and for some people is provided free. https://www.influenza.org.nz/eligibility-criteria
Hepatitis A and travel vaccines are available, but since these carry no government subsidy, you will have to pay for them.
Reactions to immunisation are increasingly extremely rare following improvements in vaccine research and production.
For more information click on the following links
https://www.immune.org.nz/immunisation/immunisation-overview
http://www.health.govt.nz/yourhealth-topics/children/immunisation/immunise-your-children
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