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• Baby
• Baby Care
• Baby health care
• Baby immunisation
• Immunisation advise

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I immunise my child?

The process of immunisation protects your child from some serious diseases that are in our community. By immunising against them, the likelihood of your child being affected by these diseases is dramatically reduced and if as a community we are vigilant, we may be able to eradicate these serious diseases just as happened with small pox.

Is immunisation compulsory?

No, it is not compulsory. It is however strongly advised that your child be immunised to prevent them from catching some serious diseases that are still around in our community.
Where should I go for my child’s immunisation?

You have a few choices. Your local Doctor, immunisation clinics, some hospitals and your local council. Ask your local Plunket nurse for some information.

Should I keep a record of my child’s immunisation?

All children will automatically have their immunisation details lodged with the New Zealand National Immunisation Register.

What is the New Zealand National Immunisation Register (NIR)?

The National Immunisation Register (NIR) has been set up to help improve the rate of childhood immunisations and the increase in the number of reported cases of preventable diseases. It records details of all vaccinations given to children who live in New Zealand. .

What if my child is sick when immunisation is due?

You should only delay immunisation if your child is very unwell, for example, has a fever of more than 38.5°C, diarrhoea or vomiting or severe Upper Respiratory Tract Infection. Ask your health care provider for advice.

I’ve missed the recommended time frame for immunisation, is it worth trying to catch up?

Yes, definitely. Although it is ideal to maintain the recommended time schedule it is not essential. Talk to your health care provider for more information.

How can I make the experience less stressful?

Unfortunately immunising your child is a situation where you are being cruel to be kind and there would be few mothers who haven’t felt stressed or anxious about it. Try to put yourself at ease so that your child or baby doesn’t pick up on any negative vibes and be secure in the knowledge that it is only a momentary pain that they feel. Here are a few tips:

• Try to remember to take along their special toy, a treat, or snack for straight after the injection to divert their attention.
• You will need to firmly hold your child still during the injections. Consider taking your partner with you if you think it necessary.
• Don’t plan to do much after the vaccinations. Go home and have a restful day.
• If possible leave your “other children” with a friend so that you can focus on your child who is being immunised.
• For older children play “Visiting the Doctor” and talk about how “the needle” will stop them from getting very sick later on.
• If your child is highly anxious about needles, talk to your Doctor about using a local numbing agent prior to the visit.

There are a few good books available on how to make the experience less stressful. You might like to look out for:

• The Big Blue House Call – by Kiki Thorpe
  It’s Checkup Day at the Big Blue House! Everyone is excited because Doc Hogg is making a special house call. But Ojo is afraid of getting her vaccination shot. Will she conquer her fears? Find out in this reassuring story, perfect for reading before any child’s trip to the doctor.
• The Germ Patrol: All About Shots for Tots… and Big Kids, Too! – by Neil B. Shulman M.D., Todd Stolp M.D., Robin Voss
  A lighthearted and charming tale which helps children and adults understand the purpose of immunisations. The Germ Patrol… provides a unique opportunity to alleviate any fears.

Check out the Huggies BookClub for these, and more, practical parenting titles.

Where can I find more information about the various childhood illnesses that these vaccinations are designed to protect against?

The New Zealand Ministry of Health website (http://www.moh.govt.nz/immunisation), provides a thorough overview of each of the communicable diseases covered under the national immunisation program.

For more information see Baby immunisation or Baby care