Protect yourself, your family, and our community

30 April 2014

Taranaki DHB is celebrating the importance of immunisation for children, families and communities this week as part of the World Health Organisation initiative “World Immunisation Week” which runs from 28 April to 2 May.

Taranaki DHB Medical Officer of Health, Jonathan Jarman said immunisation is one of the most successful and cost effective ways to prevent serious illnesses.

“Last year we were notified of 73 people with whooping cough in Taranaki so the bugs are out there.”

“There are also currently measles outbreaks in several areas in New Zealand but luckily there have been no cases in Taranaki so far this year.”

Dr Jarman urges all parents to ensure their children are immunised on time every time for best protection.

“It is much easier to have a vaccination than risk a disease like whooping cough which can be life-threatening in very young children.”

If parents have any questions about immunisation they should ask to discuss these with their family doctor or practice nurse.

To help promote Immunisation Week in South Taranaki, Hawera’s Ngati Ruanui Healthcare is holding an afternoon celebration of immunisation activities, supported by the Taranaki DHB Regional Screening Unit and Immunisation Coordinator.

From 1pm to 3pm on Thursday 1 May, more than 30 community members are booked in for their influenza immunisations, including a family with four generations, and Ngati Ruanui Healthcare GP Dr Riegardt Meyer.

Alongside the opportunity to discuss immunisation and its benefits, Ngati Ruanui Health staff are also offering face painting to children in attendance. 

For more information please call
Sue Carrington
Media Adviser
Ph 021 367 789

Last updated: Wednesday, April 30, 2014