Protecting Our Tamariki: The Importance of Childhood Immunisations

By: Daniel Calder November 27, 2024

As a parent, you want the best for your child. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your tamariki’s health is through immunisation. Vaccines are a powerful tool in preventing serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, offering protection that extends beyond individual children to the entire community.

Why Immunise?

Immunisation is one of the most significant public health achievements of the past century. After access to clean water, it’s the most effective health intervention for saving lives worldwide. Here’s why immunising your child is so important:

Disease Prevention: Vaccines protect against serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough, and polio.

Community Protection: High immunisation rates create ‘herd immunity’, protecting those who can’t be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

Long-term Health Benefits: Immunisation can prevent long-term health issues and disabilities caused by vaccine-preventable diseases.

The New Zealand Immunisation Schedule

In Aotearoa New Zealand, a comprehensive immunisation schedule is available free of charge for all babies, children, and young people. This schedule is carefully designed to provide optimal protection at the most appropriate ages.

Immunisations begin at 6 weeks of age and continue through childhood and adolescence. These vaccines protect against a range of diseases including diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, and many others. Please call us if you are unsure of whether your child is up to date with their immunisations.

Safety and Effectiveness

Modern vaccines have excellent safety records. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. Every vaccine available in New Zealand has been thoroughly assessed for safety and effectiveness, both within New Zealand and overseas.

It is important to remember that children are much more likely to be harmed by vaccine-preventable diseases than by the vaccines themselves.

What If I Have Concerns?

It is natural to have questions about your child’s health. If you have any concerns or queries about immunisation, we encourage you to:

Speak with one of our GPs or Nurses
Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 (available 24/7)
Visit the Healthify website for comprehensive, reliable information

Immunisation is a safe, effective way to protect your tamariki and contribute to the health of our community. By following the recommended immunisation schedule, you are giving your child the best possible start in life.

For more information on childhood immunisations, visit:

Based on the National Immunisation Schedule, this handy tool shows what immunisations your child needs from 6 weeks to 13 years, and the dates due.

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