This articles provides parents with a basic outline on
where to get immunised and includes information on what to expect while your child is
immunised.
The where, what and who of immunisation
To have your child immunised, you need to visit your GP surgery; these immunisations are free of charge for children in New Zealand.
The injections will normally be given by Practice Nurses, who have been certificated in immunisations.
They will discuss your child’s general and recent health with you - if your child is well and does not suffer from allergies, the nurse will give the injections.
Although the doctor will be on the premises and will be aware that immunisations are being done, you will not usually see your doctor during the appointment.
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 adverse reaction.
All children have an immunisation record of their own (in their Well Child Plunket Book), which will be completed each time your child is immunised; so remember to take it with you and store it safely at home.
This immunisation record will be requested at various times; for example when your child starts early childhood education or primary school.
The staff will also record the immunisation on the computer for the New Zealand 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 to be done and provides information on the success of immunisation programmes.
Useful Immunisation Websites and Articles
www.immune.org.nz
Website of the Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC), providing independent, factual information, including benefits and risks, based on international and New Zealand medical research.
http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/preventative-health-wellness/immunisation
This link gives information on the government's recommendations regarding immunisation for children in New Zealand
To read more about immunisation, read our Kiwi Families articles:
Informed Choice discusses the advantages and disadvantages of immunisation.
What to expect explains the procedure and how you can help your child.
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 Where to get Immunised written by Paula Skelton