Over 2500 Children Vaccinated In First Three Days

Wednesday 1 June, 2005

Over 2500 Children Vaccinated In First Three Days Of Campaign

The Southland Meningococcal B Immunisation Programme has passed its first major milestone with more than 2,500 doses of the vaccine given in the first three days of the school based campaign.

Teams of vaccinating nurses have already visited three of the city’s major high schools: James Hargest, Aurora College and Southland Girls’ High School.

Over the next few weeks, the nurses will visit all schools in the Southland region to give the first in the series of three MeNZB™ vaccinations.

Parents are advised to ensure that their children have breakfast every morning so they are prepared for when the vaccinations are taking place at their school.

Children who do not have breakfast risk having lower blood sugars, which can lead to light-headedness.

Every child vaccinated will receive a post vaccination leaflet providing information on possible reactions, which parents should look out for.

Project Manager Judi Dennis said that a number of children have complained of sore arms and some have experienced redness and swelling at the injection site.

“It is possible children may have a headache, nausea or slight fever and parents should follow the advice on the post vaccination leaflet,” she said.

“These reactions are generally mild and may last for a few days.”

Anybody with concerns should contact their doctor or phone the Meningococcal B Immunisation Team on 03 214 8260.

ENDS

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