8 December 2014
Immunise On Time Every Time to protect your baby
Parents and caregivers are being urged to be on time, every time with infant immunisations for the best protection
against serious, preventable diseases.
Babies should receive scheduled immunisations at age six-weeks, three-months and five-months, vaccinating against a raft
of serious diseases including Rotavirus, Pneumococcal, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio and
Hepatitis B.
Rotavirus is the latest immunisation to be added to the schedule in July this year - a highly contagious virus causing
bowel infection, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and in severe cases dehydration resulting in hospitalisation. In New
Zealand, rotavirus infection results in one child in 52 being hospitalised by three-years of age and one child in 43 being hospitalised by
five-years of age.
Without immunisation almost all children will get a rotavirus infection before they start school.
Vaccination is the most effective means to protect your child and the wider community against rotavirus says Starship
Child Health’s Community Paediatrician, Dr Alison Leversha.
“Rotavirus is a very distressing condition for the child and parents – and one that can easily be prevented.”
“The first dose of the oral rotavirus vaccine must be administered before baby is 15-weeks-old and we encourage families
to contact their general practice as early as possible to ensure they receive the immunisation, along with the other
scheduled vaccines, on time.”
“Aside from the benefit of protecting your own child, vaccination protects the wider community including a small but
vulnerable group of children with compromised immune systems who cannot be immunised.”
Currently 97% of six week olds living in the Auckland DHB area have received their first round of immunisations. More
than 33 babies in the region are however overdue. Additionally there are another 11 three-month-olds and 34
five-month-olds that are also overdue and require second doses for long-term protection.
Dr Leversha says if you’re unsure whether your child has received all their infant immunisations, contact your GP.
“Our message to parents and caregivers is don’t delay to give your child the best possible protection – vaccines on the
national immunisation schedule are free from your family doctor.
“Delaying your child’s vaccination is risky. Most babies admitted to hospital with severe complications of vaccine
preventable diseases, have not had their vaccines on time.”
Parents and caregivers can seek more information on scheduled vaccinations from their GP or practice nurse, by phoning
the Immunisation Advisory Centre information line 0800 IMMUNE (466 863) or by visiting www.immune.org.nz
ENDS