Immunisation clinic popping up in Waitara to celebrate Immunisation week

21 April 2017

An Immunisation Clinic will be popping up in the Maori Women’s Welfare League rooms (31 McLean St) in Waitara on Wednesday 3 May from 9am to celebrate Immunisation Week which is from 1-7 May.

Taranaki DHB, Tui Ora, Maori Women’s Welfare League and Pinnacle Midlands Health Network have teamed up to help raise awareness about the importance of immunisation in the  community.

Mel Hurliman, Taranaki DHB Immunisation co-ordinator said, “There will be nurses available to give FREE influenza vaccinations, childhood immunisations and pregnant women can also come along for their pregnancy immunisations for protection against influenza and whooping cough.”

“Immunisation is the best way to protect your family/whānau from the serious effects of some diseases and it’s recommended by health professionals,” added Mrs Hurliman.

The pop-up clinic will be open from 9am and anyone who is immunised on the day goes into the draw to win one of six $50 Pak ‘n’ Save vouchers.

“We understand that people’s lives are very busy and we hope that by holding the clinic, it will give them the chance to pop-in to get themselves, their children and family/whanau up to date with their immunisations. People can also head along and have a chat with one of the nurses about any questions they may have about immunisation.”

Jonathan Jarman, Medical Officer of Health advised, “It is very important that our community get prepared for the flu season. Influenza is much more serious than a cold, and the symptoms are much more severe.

The northern hemisphere has had a particularly nasty strain of influenza this season, so while New Zealand was lucky last year and didn’t need to declare an influenza season, it will probably not be the case this time round warns Dr Jarman.

He also said that influenza can be more than just a bad cold.  “The flu is an infectious disease caused by an influenza virus and can affect anyone no matter how fit, active and healthy they may be.”

“Symptoms can come on suddenly and include fever, chills, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, runny nose, cough, stomach upsets and severe fatigue.  Pregnant women, newborn babies, the elderly, people with lowered immunity and those with certain long term medical conditions such as asthma or heart problems are at higher risk of complications and hospitalisation.”

Dr Jarman added, “Influenza vaccination, is safe, effective and can be lifesaving for those who are the most vulnerable.”

Mrs Hurliman said, “For those who can’t make the pop-up clinic in Waitara, the Influenza vaccination is available in the community.  If you are eligible, free flu vaccinations are available from your GP or medical centre. Privately funded and FREE flu vaccines are also available from some community pharmacies.”

The Pharmacies below are providing Influenza Vaccinations free of charge to people over 65 years and pregnant mums:  

• Mackay’s Pharmacy Stratford
• Moss, Rocard and Smith Chemist Stratford
• Eltham Pharmacy
• Robertson’s Pharmacies Hawera
• The Valley Pharmacy Waiwhakaiho
• Life Pharmacy Centre City New Plymouth

This will become more widely available as more Pharmacists complete the vaccinator process.

 

ENDS

 

For more information please call:
Cressida Gates-Thompson, Communications Manager, 027 703 6177