Immunisation

Immunisation is one of the most effective ways of protecting yourself and your children from serious diseases. Immunisation shows your body’s natural defence system how to fight off germs before they can make you sick.

The nurses at UHHC are all trained vaccinators and will provide this service for you and your family.

Scheduled childhood vaccinations are free of charge.

Childhood Vaccinations

Funded vaccines against the following diseases are available for children in New Zealand:

  • chickenpox
  • diphtheria
  • hepatitis B
  • haemophilus influenzae b (Hib)
  • measles
  • mumps
  • pneumococcal disease
  • polio
  • rotavirus
  • rubella
  • tetanus
  • whooping cough
  • human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • meningitis B

We immunise against these diseases/infections because they can cause serious (and sometimes fatal) illnesses to our children, or cancers later in life, and we have effective immunisations available against them.

Immunisation protects your own child. It also protects those most at risk from these diseases. This includes babies who are too young for immunisation or children with weakened immune systems. These babies and children rely on those around them being immunised.

Flu

The flu vaccine is available each year from 1st April

We encourage people to have a flu vaccine to protect against influenza, commonly called “The Flu”. This can be a severe and sometimes life threatening infection, regardless of how fit and healthy you are.

In people 65 years and over, there is a higher risk of developing serious complications from flu such as pneumonia.  Flu vaccination is free to those 65yrs and over, and for those with specific long-term health issues. If you are under 65yrs and have a long-term health condition, check with your doctor or nurse as you may be eligible for a free vaccine.  

Shingles

Shingles is a painful skin condition caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. It can cause a blistering rash, nerve pain and, in some cases, long-lasting complications.

Shingrix helps protect against shingles and its complications.

Who is eligible for free vaccination?

  • Adults aged 65 years: The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is free for those aged 65yrs.
  • Adults aged 18 years and over at increased risk: Free vaccination may be available for people with certain medical conditions or treatments, including organ transplants, specific cancers and some immunosuppressive therapies.

Shingrix is given as a course of two doses, usually 2–6 months apart.

If you are eligible or would like to learn more about shingles vaccination, please speak with our team.

Boostrix

Boostrix is a combination vaccine that helps protect against three serious infections:

  • Whooping cough (pertussis): A highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause severe coughing fits and is particularly dangerous for young babies.
  • Tetanus: A serious infection caused by bacteria entering the body through cuts or wounds, potentially resulting in painful muscle spasms.
  • Diphtheria: A contagious bacterial infection that can affect the throat and breathing and may cause serious complications.

Who is eligible for free vaccination?

  • During pregnancy: Free Boostrix vaccination is recommended from 16 weeks of every pregnancy to help protect your baby during their first months of life.
  • Adults aged 45 years: Free vaccination is available for eligible individuals who have received fewer than four tetanus-containing vaccine doses in their lifetime.
  • Adults aged 65 years: Free vaccination is available if it has been more than 10 years since the last tetanus-containing vaccine dose.
  • Wound management: A tetanus-containing vaccine is available free of charge under ACC for eligible individuals who require vaccination following a deep or dirty wound that carries a risk of tetanus.

If you are pregnant, due for a booster or have sustained a wound, please contact our team for advice.

Meningococcal Vaccines (MenB and MenACWY)

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. It can progress rapidly and cause life-threatening complications, including meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia).

There are different strains of meningococcal bacteria, so two main types of vaccines are used to provide protection:

  • MenB: Protects against meningococcal group B.
  • MenACWY: Protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.

Who is eligible for free vaccination?

  • Infants and young children: Free MenB vaccination is available for babies at 3, 5 and 12 months of age, with catch-up vaccinations available for eligible children under 5 years.
  • Young people aged 13–25 years: Free MenB and MenACWY vaccinations are available for eligible individuals entering or living in their first year of close-living accommodation, such as university halls of residence, hostels or barracks. Eligibility may include vaccination up to three months before moving into this accommodation.

Please contact our team to discuss eligibility and the recommended vaccination schedule.

For more information on immunisations

Visit the Immunisation Advisory Centre here.