Childhood Immunisation

Growing up as children we are exposed to thousands of germs, some of which can potentially cause illness. Immunisation is the most effective way to actively protect children and other vulnerable people in our community from preventable diseases, ranging from whooping cough, tetanus and hepatitis B to meningitis and measles.

When a child is immunised, their body's immune system is stimulated to protect against these diseases. It is important to understand that the risk from any of these diseases far outweighs any risk associated with vaccination. To read further reliable information about immunisation and vaccines see:

• Immunisation    
• Vaccines 

For children to develop good immune protection against a range of serious diseases there is a comprehensive schedule of immunisations (including boosters) that must be given over time.

The Ministry of Health recommends that all children are immunised against:

• Diphtheria
• Haemophilus Influenza Type B (HIB)  
• Hepatitis B
• Measles  
• Pneumococcal disease
• Mumps  
• Pertussis (whooping cough)  
• Polio
• Rubella  
• Tetanus
• Rotavirus
• Varicella (chickenpox) 

Go to recommended child immunisations for more information.

Influenza vaccination is also recommended and FREE for children who have chronic conditions, for example, asthma. Click here for further information.

HPV Vaccination is free for young women and men ages 11-26. It is available through public health nurses in schools in Year 8 in Northland or from family doctors and Family Planning clinics.

HPV vaccination aims to protect young men and women from HPV infection and the risk of HPV, some types of which cause cancers of the throat, mouth, genital and anal areas in both men and women, as well as genital warts.

In addition, a booster tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap or Boostrix®) is offered to all children at age 11 years (Year 7). In Northland, this is offered through public health nurses in schools or by your family doctor.

Contact

Do you have more questions?  Your family doctor, nurse or public health nurse are good sources of information and advice or phone the freephone at the Immunisation Advisory Centre 0800 IMMUNE (0800 486863) 9am - 4.30pm, Mon - Fri