Immunisation

Immunisation is one of the most effective ways of protecting yourself and your children from serious diseases. Immunisation shows your body’s natural defence system how to fight off germs before they can make you sick.

The nurses at UHHC are all trained vaccinators and will provide this service for you and your family.

Scheduled childhood vaccinations are free of charge.

Childhood Vaccinations

Funded vaccines against the following diseases are available for children in New Zealand:

  • chickenpox
  • diphtheria
  • hepatitis B
  • haemophilus influenzae b (Hib)
  • measles
  • mumps
  • pneumococcal disease
  • polio
  • rotavirus
  • rubella
  • tetanus
  • whooping cough
  • human papillomavirus (HPV)

We immunise against these diseases/infections because they can cause serious (and sometimes fatal) illnesses to our children, or cancers later in life, and we have effective immunisations available against them.

Immunisation protects your own child. It also protects those most at risk from these diseases. This includes babies who are too young for immunisation or children with weakened immune systems. These babies and children rely on those around them being immunised.

Flu

The flu vaccine is available each year from 1st April

We encourage people to have a flu vaccine to protect against influenza, commonly called “The Flu”. This can be a severe and sometimes life threatening infection, regardless of how fit and healthy you are.

In people 65 years and over, there is a higher risk of developing serious complications from flu such as pneumonia.  Flu vaccination is free to those 65yrs and over, and for those with specific long-term health issues. If you are under 65yrs and have a long-term health condition, check with your doctor or nurse as you may be eligible for a free vaccine.  

Shingles

The shingles vaccine (zostavax) is free for those aged 65yrs.

Until 31 March 2020 zostavax is free for those aged 66-80yrs.

Boostrix is a vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus & whooping cough. It is free and recommended for pregnant women from 28-38 weeks. This will provide protection to both mother and her newborn baby.

For more information on immunisations

Visit the Immunisation Advisory Centre here.