Rotavirus vaccine free from today
Rotavirus vaccine free from today
Associate Health
Minister Jo Goodhew is welcoming the introduction of free
rotavirus vaccination from today.
“The vaccine,
which is given orally rather than an injection, will be part
of babies’ standard immunisations at ages six weeks, three
months and five months,” says Mrs Goodhew.
“Usually with childhood vaccines, if you’re late
you can catch up. But for rotavirus, babies must have the
first of three doses before they are 15 weeks old. If
they’re too late, then babies will miss out,” says Mrs
Goodhew.
“Babies born on or after 19 March 2014
still have a chance to get the free vaccine, but the oldest
of these babies will only have a few days.”
Mrs
Goodhew is encouraging parents to make sure they get all
their babies’ immunisations on time.
“Getting
immunised on time is important to protect them against
life-threatening diseases such as whooping cough. The time
limit on the rotavirus vaccine is just another good reason
to get in on time.
“Almost every young child will
catch rotavirus at some point before they are three years
old, unless they’re immunised. Most recover in a few days
without any treatment, but between 600 and 800 babies and
young children are admitted to hospital each year with
complications such as dehydration.”
The vaccine is
part of the immunisation programme in many countries around
the world. In Australia, the vaccine has resulted in a 70
percent decrease in hospitalisation for rotavirus.
More information about rotavirus vaccine is available
on the Ministry of Health website www.moh.govt.nz.
ends