vaccination

“Didn’t even hurt,” said 17 year old Terence Samasoni at the Influenza Vaccination Clinic at Cameron House last week. Terence was the last of the seven children in his family to get vaccinated, with five of the siblings being vaccinated last month.

Despite three swine flu-related deaths in the past week, health messages remain the same, says Waikato District Health Board medical officer of health Dell Hood.

They’ve talked about their options, made the decision with their families, and had their consent forms signed. So, this week, Raumati Manaena-Awa (Chanel College), Dione Pourau (Masterton Intermediate School) and Hannah Lodge-Schnellenberg (Solway College) will join thousands of other Year 8 pupils around the country who are receiving their first free vaccination against HPV (Human Papillomavirus).

Concern that measles may return to the Bay of Plenty and Lakes has prompted the local Medical Officer of Health to urge everyone to make sure they are protected.

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are giving full support to a Samoan Government nationwide measles and Vitamin A immunization campaign that aims to reach more than 32,000 children.

As the first cases of seasonal influenza hit New Zealand, health officials from the National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG)1 are concerned that still many vulnerable people may not be protected from this serious disease, despite a record uptake of the vaccine this year.