Welcome to the April
– June information pack
Including WellChild/Tamariki Ora week
May 6th – 13th
Welcome to the April – June information pack
Including WellChild/Tamariki Ora week May 6th – 13th
Have you heard the latest in Immunisation News?
Immunisation strengthens your child’s immune system
by training it to fight off the germs that cause diseases.
It does this by exposing the immune system to just enough
of the germs to activate its responses without actually making
the child sick.
Immunisation mimics the natural development of the immune
system. Every day, babies come into contact with millions
of germs, just by crawling on the floor and breathing the
air around them. It is through this exposure that babies'
immune systems become stronger as they learn to develop immune
responses to germs they are exposed to. Most germs are harmless
but some can cause serious disease.
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.
In New Zealand we have vaccines for a number of diseases and
illnesses that can cause children under 5 years of age serious
harm; diseases like measles, meningococcal B, influenza, polio
and pertussis (whooping cough) among others.
The resources in this pack will give you the latest news
and information about immunisations, and will answer some
of the questions you may have about this important issue.
In this pack:
- Parent and professional leaflets on immunisations –
benefits, side effects and schedule changes.
- Media release - The small island nation of Fiji is experiencing
a large measles outbreak. Look inside this pack for information
on the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and how to
protect your children from measles.
- Information sheet from Immunisation Advisory Centre about
Polio eradication.
- Are you up to date with the latest on meningococcal B?
Inside this pack you’ll find current information on
the introduction of the 4th dose, and why it’s important
your child receives it if they start their vaccinations
before they reach six months old.
- Did you know that some children with chronic conditions
are able to have a free influenza vaccination? Children
can be great carriers of this highly infectious virus, which
can be a very serious illness, particularly to those with
pre-existing health problems.
Visit the following websites for more information and extra
copies of resources.
Ministry of Health www.moh.govt.nz
Immunisation Advisory Centre www.immune.org.nz
or call 0800 IMMUNE
Health Education resources www.healthed.govt.nz
Also in your pack you will find other resources you may find
helpful for WellChild/Tamariki Ora week, such as samples of
stickers, tattoos and balloons that are available.
Please feel free to distribute this information and resources
on to your wider networks
and clients as appropriate. You can also contact us at the
National Office if you require further help, advice or resources.
Regards,
Dr. Marguerite Dalton,
National WellChild/Tamariki Ora coordinator and Medical Advisor
to the Immunisation Advisory Centre.
09 373 7599 ext 84666 |
