Does immunisation work?
Yes. Immunisation is one of the most researched areas of medicine and the most valuable health care measure that has ever been developed. Over the years immunisation has controlled and stopped many of the diseases that cause illness or death in children.
To develop good immune protection against a range of serious diseases there is a series of immunisations (including boosters) that must be given over time.
The New Zealand National Immunisation Schedule recommends immunisation at the following ages:
- 6 weeks
- 3 months
- 5 months
- 15 months
- 4 years
- 11 years
Meningococcal B Immunisation
Available for all children under the age of 5 years (recommended at 6 weeks, 3 months, 5 months and 10 months). Additional vaccines are also recommended for some other at risk individuals.
Access to Vaccines
Practices that are members of Harbour Health provide immunisation services free of charge to all eligible children aged under 16 years (charges may apply for other services).
Practice nurses undertake a specialised vaccinators training course, and are available to answer any queries parents may have.
For further information on vaccination phone the Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) on 0800 466 863 or visit www.immune.org.nz
National Immunisation Register
The National Immunisation Register (NIR) is a computerised information system developed to hold immunisation details of New Zealand children.
Why do we need a NIR?
Children visit many different health care professionals such as general practitioners, Plunket nurses, hospital specialists, Maori or Pacific providers. The NIR enables authorised health professionals to quickly and easily find out what vaccines a child has been given and is the best way to make sure immunisations are given at the appropriate time.
The NIR will enable New Zealand to improve its immunisation rates, which at present lag behind other OECD countries.
What information is held on the NIR?
The NIR holds: personal information such as name, date of birth, gender, unique health number (National Health Index*) and ethnicity details of a child; parent/caregiver details and contact information; nominated health professionals (general practitioner, midwife and Wellchild provider) and immunisations given. It can also record if a parent chooses not to immunise their child for a particular vaccine, or if there are medical reasons not to do so. This information is collected and updated regularly by authorised healthcare providers.
Immunisation Outreach Service
An Immunisation Outreach Programme is available to all practices affilicated to Harbour Health
The goal of this programme is to improve the immunisation coverage of the community by identifying the children who have missed vaccinations, and to work with these children and their families access vaccination .
The Harbour Health outreach nurse works in the community visiting families at home, liaising with their General Practice and with other community based health professionals. She can be contacted to answer questions and concerns regarding immunisation, to provide support if needed to help them make decisions about their children’s vaccinations and if necessary support when visiting their family doctor for vaccination appointments.
For more information
Email: mailto:info@harbourhealth.org.nz?subject=Immunisation
