Immunisation News
Measles
Measles has been in the news lately because there are currently cases in New Zealand and our immunisation coverage is low. This has prompted a lot of calls from older people to check on their vaccination status.
People born before 1969, before our immunisation program started are assumed to be immune. Those born after 1969 who don’t have a clear record of two doses of measles vaccine, or confirmed measles, are recommended to have two MMR doses 4 weeks apart.
If someone is unsure about their vaccination status it is safe to vaccinate EXCEPT if they are pregnant or have compromised immune system function. If you wish to review your vaccination status please book an appointment with one of our nurses.
MMR vaccine is free for everyone under 18 years of age in New Zealand no matter what their immigration status is. It is also free for those over18 eligible for funded health care.
Whooping Cough
Whooping Cough: We still have an epidemic of whooping cough in New Zealand.
The best protection for infants is for their mother to be vaccinated during pregnancy. The antenatal vaccination for pertussis is safe and free. This is most effective when given from 16 weeks of pregnancy – and should be done during each pregnancy to provide the best protection for each baby.
Childhood vaccinations to protect against whooping cough are needed at ages 6 weeks, 3 months and 5 months, and again at 4 years. A further booster is given at age 11 years (school year 7).
For adults, New Zealand has a combined pertussis and tetanus vaccine. Adults are eligible for one free booster from age 45 (if they have not had four previous tetanus doses) and can get one free from age 65. Immunity decreases with time and a booster is advisable if it is over 10 years since your last vaccination.
These outbreaks of infectious disease show how important it is that children are kept up to date with all the vaccinations which provide the best protection for them and their wider whānau.
Even if vaccinations have been missed it’s not too late to catch up. Whooping cough vaccinations are also free for children under 18.