Meningococcal W Outbreak Intensive Response Ended
The intensive response to the meningococcal W outbreak in Northland has ended today.
Northland DHB is continuing to hold outbreak vaccination clinics in secondary schools until 8 March.
General practices and some pharmacies have been approached to continue offering a publicly funded vaccine in coming weeks.
Details about which general practices and pharmacies will be providing a free vaccination service will be posted on our website next week.
The DHB will complete a vaccine stocktake next week, which will determine what steps will be taken going forward.
“We sincerely thank all parents and caregivers who took the opportunity to have their children vaccinated,” Medical Officer of Health Dr Jose Ortega said.
“The purpose of the meningococcal W outbreak campaign was to prevent the outbreak from continuing. We haven’t had any meningococcal W cases in Northland since November 2018, which is wonderful.”
Northland DHB plans to complete an analysis of the outbreak campaign, including the number of children vaccinated, by about the end of March this year.
“We want to acknowledge the DHB staff who have managed the extensive logistics and service delivery and the pharmacies, Māori Health Providers and general practices who helped deliver the outbreak programme over the past two and half months.”
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