This immunisation schedule not only gives you a schedule of when to get your child immunised, with free vaccines, but also gives tips on what to expect of immunisation.
What is immunisation? : Immunisation Schedule : What is the immunisation procedure? : Risks & complications of immunisations : What can I do to prepare my child for immunisation? : Useful Immunisation Websites
Immunisation (or immunization) is a method of stimulating the body to protect itself against infection, using antibodies which fight infection.
Vaccinations are preparations which cause the body to produce antibodies against certain diseases. They are usually given by injection.
The aim of the New Zealand government is to achieve 95% immunisation in the population.
Here is the immunisation schedule for all children in New Zealand:
| Age of immunisation |
Vaccines Given |
|
6 weeks
|
DtaP-IPV
(diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio) |
Hib-HepB
(haemophilus influenzae type b and hepatitis B) |
PCV7 (pneumococcal) |
|
3 months
|
DtaP-IPV |
Hib-HepB |
PCV7 (pneumococcal) |
|
5 months
|
DtaP-IPV |
Hib-HepB |
PCV7 (pneumococcal) |
|
15 months
|
Hib
(haemophilus influenzae type b) |
MMR
(measles, mumps, rubella) |
PCV7 (pneumococcal) |
|
4 years
|
DtaP-IPV |
MMR
(measles, mumps, rubella) |
none |
|
11 years
|
dTap
(diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis - adolescent/adult)
|
IPV
(Inactivated polio vaccine) |
none |
|
12 Years
( for Girls / Young Women born on or after 1 January 1990 )
|
HPV
(Human PapillomaVirus)
|
|
|
Notes on immunisation:
- Occasionally health professionals will recommend families to have their newborn babies vaccinated against hepatitis B or tuberculosis.
- Pertussis = whooping cough
The immunisations will be given at your GP surgery, usually by the practice nurse.
The injections are given into an arm or leg and if 2 injections are required they will be given in different places on the body. Some vaccines are combined to reduce the number of injections and clinic visits.
The nurse will ask you to wait in the surgery for 20 minutes after the injection or medication, to ensure that your child does not suffer an allergic reaction.
All children have an immunisation record of their own, which you will have completed each time your child is immunised, so remember to take it with you and keep it safe. It will be requested at various times, for example when your child starts school.
The staff will also record the immunisation on the computer for the New Zealand’s National Immunisation Register. This is an information system that holds the details of all immunisations given to children in New Zealand; this information can be used to help remind families when immunisations are due for their children and provide information on success of immunisation programmes.
Many children have some pain/ redness around the injection site. This can usually be resolved with a hug and a cool flannel over the injection site. Paracetamol syrup (such as Calpol) may be given, being careful to follow the instructions on the bottle for age and dosage.
Serious reactions or side effects to immunisation are not common. Very few children experience a mild rash and fever approximately one week later after injection. Again this can be treated with paracetamol syrup and plenty of fluids to drink. It should only last a few days.
A fever of 40ºC or above is extremely rare. If this happens:
- contact your doctor;
- give paracetamol following the dosage on the bottle; and
- ensure that your child drinks plenty of fluids.
An allergic reaction is a very rare complication of immunisation. This can be life threatening, therefore all children are immunised by specially trained health professionals and required to wait at the clinic for 20 minutes after the procedure to ensure that they do not suffer a reaction.
|
Vaccine
|
Possible Side Effects
|
|
DtaP-IPV
(diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio)
|
Redness or swelling around the injection site which may last for a few days.
Headache or tiredness or muscle aches or a temperature (not common)
Nerve damage in the nerves going to the arms or legs (very rare)
Severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis (very rare)
|
|
Hib-HepB
(haemophilus influenza type b and hepatitis B)
|
Redness and soreness at the site of injection which may last for a few days (3 - 4%)
Fever and a temperature (not common)
HepB --- Diarrhoea or feel unwell for a short time (not common)
|
|
PCV7
(pneumococcal)
|
No serious side effects
|
|
MMR
(measles, mumps, rubella)
|
Mild rash & fever (< 5%)
Aseptic Meningitis from the mumps component (1 per 100,000)
Encephalitis (1 per 1,000,000)
Anaphylaxis (<1 per 1,000,000)
|
|
dTap
(diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis - adolescent/adult)
|
Redness or swelling around the injection site which may last for a few days.
Headache or tiredness or muscle aches or a temperature (not common)
Nerve damage in the nerves going to the arms or legs (very rare)
Severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis (very rare)
|
|
IPV
(Inactivated polio vaccine)
|
Mild reaction at injection site
Mild fever and sleepiness or crying (rare)
|
|
HPV
(Human Papilloma Virus)
|
Mild to moderate pain and inflammation at injection site --- most vaccines
Severe pain and inflammation at injection site (<3%)
Mild to moderate fever (<1%)
Anaphylaxis or severe allergic
reaction (3.2 per 1,000,000)
|
Ensure that your child is in good health when having vaccinations - if their body is already fighting a cold or fever then it is unwise to put their body under any further stress. If unsure, contact your GP's surgery.
Cuddle your baby close and remain calm and matter-of-fact about the procedure. Feeding your baby may help, during or after the vaccination.
A toddler or young child can be prepared for injections in a calm and matter-of- fact manner. Again cuddle them in tight to offer comfort.
After the injections soothe your child and after a minute offer some distraction such as a story. Many surgeries will offer your child a lolly as a treat afterwards which works wonders! (Have a quiet word with the nurse if you do not want your child to be offered a lolly).
The Ministry of Health for New Zealand states that:
"The Government’s commitment to immunisation is based on sound evidence. The national and international scientific consensus is that immunisation is one of the most cost effective means of preventing disease and improving health, and that risks associated with vaccines are rare."
http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/preventative-health-wellness/immunisation/new-zealand-immunisation-schedule - Information on the current immunisation schedule
The National Immunisation Advisory Centre website
To read more about immunisation, read our series of Kiwi Families articles:
Where do we go? gives you information on how to obtain immunisation for your child.
Informed Choice discusses the advantages and disadvantages of immunisation.
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Paula Skelton is a qualified nurse and midwife, a midwifery and childbirth educator, and the mum of three lovely girls. Read more about Paula in our Meet the Team section.
Article Immunisation Schedule written by Paula Skelton.