Childhood and antenatal immunisations
Immunisation protects everyone. It helps keep people safe from vaccine-preventable diseases, and, if you or your whānau do catch an illness, it can mean you don’t get quite as sick. It also helps stop outbreaks like measles and whooping cough.
Getting our tamariki and hapū māmā immunised is one of the best ways to protect their health and set them up for a healthy future.
Keep our tamariki safe - immunise
Between the ages of 0 - 13, all tamariki are due to have a series of immunisations to protect them from diseases such as measles, polio and hepatitis B. This is part of New Zealand’s National Immunisation Schedule - below you can see what the immunisations are and what they protect against.
All childhood and pregnancy immunisations on the schedule are completely free.
Where can I get my tamariki immunised?
In addition to receiving vaccinations at your local General Practice, you can also visit FREE drop-in clinics in the MidCentral area for childhood and antenatal immunisations.
There are several clinics available across the rohe, whether you're in Horowhenua, Palmerston North, Feilding or Tararua.
Are vaccines safe?
It's totally natural to feel cautious when making decisions about the health of your tamariki, but the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. Your whānau are far more likely to get sick from a disease than they are from a vaccine.
After your child is vaccinated, they may experience some mild reactions as their immune system responds to the vaccine. Common reactions include a slight fever or pain and swelling at the injection site. These usually happen within the first few days after the vaccination and are not harmful.
To help manage these reactions, you can apply a cool cloth or ice pack to the sore area, but don't rub the injection site. Keep your child hydrated, and ensure they are dressed comfortably if they have a fever. If necessary, you can also give paracetamol or ibuprofen as advised by your healthcare provider.
If you're concerned about any reactions, it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor or nurse, call Healthline on 0800 611 116, or seek emergency care if necessary.
Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora has lots of information available around vaccine safety and potential side effects.
