Misinformation about vaccination extremely unhelpful

Northland DHB is aware of incorrect, harmful information about vaccination consent being distributed by an anti-vaccination group on social media.

"The claim that a child was vaccinated without consent has been investigated and we can confirm that every child who has been vaccinated against the deadly meningococcal disease has been done so with signed consent," offered Medical Officer of Health Dr Jose Ortega Benito.

Consent is required by law for vaccination of children and adults in New Zealand. Young people over the age of 16 can consent to have themselves vaccinated.

While we respect that some people have independent views on vaccination, scaremongering and misleading information in our communities is extremely unhelpful.

"All parents, caregivers and young people make an informed decision about protecting their children or themselves and their decision should be respected," Dr Benito said.

Parents and caregivers of those children who have not yet been vaccinated against meningococcal W are encouraged to do so immediately.

"Please take action now while you still can, the more children who are vaccinated the safer Northland will become."

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