Plunket reminds parents to immunise

Media release

6 July 2009

For immediate release

Plunket reminds parents to immunise

Plunket is urging parents to make sure that their children’s immunisations are up to date.

Recent news stories about the measles outbreak are a reminder for families to check their child’s immunisation schedules.  

“Immunisation is a free, proven way that parents can protect their children against 11 serious diseases. It is never too late to catch up, even if a child has fallen behind on the immunisation schedule” says Brenda Hynes, Plunket National Clinical Advisor.

If parents are not sure when their child is due for immunisation they can check the immunisation schedule at www.plunket.org.nz or call their doctor.

The Immunisation Advisory Centre also offers information and advice about immunisation and preventing the spread of infection through its toll-free line 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863) and website http://www.immune.org.nz

Measles is a highly infectious airborne disease spread by breathing, coughing and sneezing. It can lead to pneumonia, ear infections, brain damage and can occasionally be fatal. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, given at 15 months and four years of age, protects 90 to 95 per cent of children from the measles with just a single dose.

For more information about immunisation you can talk to a Plunket nurse or call PlunketLine on 0800 933 922 (24hours 7 days)

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