Year Seven Immunisation

Year Seven Immunisation

This week and next week children in Year Seven are being offered a free vaccination for tetanus, diphtheria and polio.

Tairawhiti District Health Public Health Nurses will be offering the free immunisation at intermediate and primary schools in Gisborne, and in schools to the west and north west of the city.

Immunisation coordinator Jane Wilkie said immunisation in Year Seven will ensure children are protected against tetanus, diphtheria and polio, right through to their adult years.

“The next diphtheria and tetanus immunisation is not required until someone is aged 45.”

She said the success of New Zealand’s immunisation programme meant the New Zealand public rarely saw the effects of the three diseases.

“However, this doesn’t mean people can become complacent about immunisation.”

Diphtheria is a bacteria that can cause a throat infection, which can in turn lead to breathing difficulties, nerve paralysis and heart failure.

Tetanus is a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria usually found in the soil. It can cause painful muscle spasms and lockjaw.

Polio is caused by a virus that can lead to a mild or very serious illness which can attack the nervous system.

Ms Wilkie said children eligible for the Year Seven immunisation were sent home with information packs and consent forms in February.

“If parents or caregivers want their child immunised please complete and sign the green section of the consent form and return it to school with your child immediately.”

Ms Wilkie said two relatively painless injections are administered during the immunisation programme. The diphtheria and tetanus vaccines are administered in the same dose in one arm, and the polio vaccine is administered in the other arm.

“Students receive their vaccination in privacy and they get heaps of support from school staff, health workers and volunteers from the Maori Women’s Welfare League and Tu Tangata.

“Furthermore, parents and or caregivers are more than welcome to be present when their child is immunised.”

By the end of the month around 500 Year Seven students, or 70 per cent of eligible children in the region, are likely to have been immunised through this school-based programme.

“Children can also get their free immunisation from their general practice.”

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