Reports of a recent measles outbreak in Christchurch highlight the risks associated with not completing a full course of childhood immunisations. Measles notifications have increased throughout New Zealand this year, with 45 notified cases from January to June, compared to eight over the same period last year. Please ensure that children get their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunisations at 15 months and 4 years of age. Catch-up immunisation is by contacting your General Practitioner, health clinic or the Outreach Immunisation Coordinator on 027 231 4794. On-time immunisation is also important for pertussis (whooping cough), with the number of notified cases over the past six months almost five times higher than for the same period last year (656 cases from January to June 2009 compared to 137 cases for the same period in 2008). We are expecting a surge in pertussis cases based on the rise in notified cases and the pattern of previous epidemics. It is important that babies receive their immunisations at six weeks, three and five months. As the vaccine protection wanes over time, children need boosters at 4 and 11 years of age, especially if there is a baby in the family. Extended eligibility for free seasonal influenza vaccine to the community The eligibility for free seasonal influenza vaccine has been extended to any individual who wants to receive it from their GP. This applies from 1 July 2009 until the end of September, or when seasonal influenza vaccine supplies run out. Pandemic influenza is putting extra pressure on the delivery of health care in the primary care sector. Extending eligibility for seasonal influenza vaccine is being done to: • enable more individuals to be protected from contracting both pandemic and seasonal influenza over the coming months • ease pressure on the health system by reducing the number of doctors visits and hospitalisations and • reduce the impact on health providers and businesses from staff illness. The Ministry of Health purchased an extra 125,000 doses of the seasonal influenza vaccine to manage the increased demand. Already, the uptake of the vaccine this season is more than 20 percent higher than last year. This vaccine protects against the strains of influenza expected to be prevalent this season. No more vaccine will be ordered once this stock has been used. The seasonal influenza vaccine is not expected to offer any protection against pandemic influenza.
For more information please contact
Bryan Jamieson
Community Liaison Officer
West Coast DHB
PO Box 387
Greymouth 7840
Phone (DDI): (03) 769-7665
Mobile: 027 245-9595
Email: