Immunisation for tamariki

Immunisation involves receiving a vaccine to help your body's immune system protect you against a disease. Read more about how your immune system works(external link).

Video: Immunise your child with confidence

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(Ministry of Health, NZ, 2019)

In the past, many children died or were left with life-long problems from diseases including diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles and whooping cough. Today, we use vaccines to immunise children against these and other diseases. Vaccines stimulate their immune system to produce antibodies, exactly like it would if they were exposed to the disease. The child will develop immunity to that disease, but they don't have to get sick first. This is what makes vaccines such a powerful medicine. Read more about why you should vaccinate.

Video: Ngataiwhakaki's 6 week immunisations

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(Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, NZ, 2023)

Video: Immunisation a parent's view

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The National Immunisation Schedule(external link)(external link) lists the group of vaccines that are offered free to babies, children and adolescents (and adults). The schedule lists the vaccines and the age at which they should be given. 

Image credit: Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, 2023

Image credit: Ministry of Health, NZ

These diseases can cause serious problems, and can sometimes be fatal. Vaccination is the best protection against them. Vaccination may not always stop these diseases, but it can reduce the problems they cause. Read more about vaccines available in New Zealand.

Video: Be on time. Immunise on time, every time.

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(Ministry of Health, NZ, 2017)

Video: Te Kano Ārai Mate ā-kura: Information about school immunisations in te reo Māori

The video below (Te Kano Ārai Mate ā-kura) provides information about school immunisations in te reo Māori. It may take a few moments to load.

(Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, 2023)

Some children may need to have their vaccines at different times to the schedule. For example, babies at high risk of hepatitis B may be offered hepatitis B immunisation earlier than others. If they're at risk of tuberculosis they may also need the BCG vaccine to protect against tuberculosis. Discuss your child’s own needs with your healthcare provider.

Funded and unfunded vaccines can be given by your doctor, nurse, midwife and some pharmacists who have been trained as vaccinators.

Different providers may have restrictions on what vaccinations can be given or the ages of people they can administer these to. So it’s worth checking with the provider first to see if your child can get the vaccination needed from them.

There are many different settings in which you can get a vaccination. These include medical or health centres, pharmacies, community-based clinics including marae-based clinics, mobile health clinics and mobile vaccination services.

Read more about who can give vaccinations and where to get vaccinated. 

Vaccinations are most often given as injections in your child's arm or leg, but the rotavirus vaccine is given as drops into their mouth. 

Parents can help in a number of ways.

• Check which vaccines you need to have during your pregnancy.
• Start vaccinating your baby on time at 6 weeks of age.
• For young children, book your appointment early in the day and plan a calm day afterwards.
• Bring along a stuffed toy or blanket for your child to hold during the vaccination, or use them to distract your child.
• For babies, feed your child straight after their vaccination; this can help to calm your baby.
• Hold your child firmly, talk calmly and gently stroke your child's arm or back.
• After being pricked by the needle, your child may cry. Try to stay calm and relaxed. Hold them, comfort them and talk calmly.
• You will need to stay for 20 minutes after the vaccination, so bring something to keep your child busy afterwards.

Read more tips for making immunisation easier.(external link)

About 1 in 10 children have a reaction to vaccinations. Most of these reactions are mild, eg, fever or redness at the injection site. These reactions show that their immune response is building and the vaccine is working. Read more about after your child is immunised(external link) and tips following immunisation(external link).  

Very rarely, a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can happen. This happens very shortly after the injection which is why you must wait for 20 minutes after vaccination. If you're worried, ask to see the nurse or doctor straight away.

Video: Year 7 immunisation: Protect against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough

Duane and Hinetaapora talk about getting immunised against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough (pertussis). What does immunisation do and why do you need it? What are immunisations for and how do they work? How do you get parental consent? This video may take a few moments to load.

 
(Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, 2023)

Video: Te Kano Ārai Mate ā-kura - information about school immunisations in te reo Māori

In this te reo video, Duane and Hinetaapora talk about getting immunised against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough (or pertussis). What does immunisation do and why do you need it? What are immunisations for and how do they work? How do you get parental consent? 

Video: Immunisation Year 8 protection against HPV

Hinetaapora talks about getting immunised against the human papillomavirus (HPV). What is HPV immunisation and why do you need it? 

  (Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, 2023)

Vaccination is not compulsory in Aotearoa New Zealand but it's a good choice. There's a lot of information about vaccination and this can be confusing. It's important to check where the information is from so you can make a good choice. Here are some things to think about:

• Is it based on sound evidence?
• Is it up-to-date information?
• Does it relate to Aotearoa New Zealand?