Upston supports immunisation week
MP for Taupo, Louise Upston says Immunisation Week, taking place April 23-29, is a good reminder for Taupo families to check that their kids’ immunisation is up to date.
“Getting children immunised on time has always been important, but is especially so now as New Zealand combats a whooping cough outbreak,” Louise says.
“Under National, immunisation rates have been raised to record levels. In 2007 just 67 per cent of two-year-olds had the recommended vaccinations for their age, that has risen to an all-time high of 92 per cent.
“But we need to lift our game even further. The World Health Organisation recommends that 95 per cent of children be immunised by two years of age and New Zealand’s immunisation Health Target of 95 per cent reflects National’s commitment to meeting world standards.
“From July the health sector will focus on National’s new immunisation Health Target – 95 per cent of eight-month-olds fully immunised by December 2014. This new target is deliberately ambitious, but protecting children from infectious diseases is a goal worth working hard for.
“Parents tell us that one of the biggest factors in their decision to immunise is the conversation they have with trusted health professionals about vaccination. The message I want to give to parents this week is to make an immunisation appointment for their child or to talk through any concerns with their Plunket nurse, practice nurse, or WellChild/Tamariki Ora provider”.
Information about immunisation is available at www.health.govt.nz or at the Immunisation Advisory Centre website www.immune.org.nz. Parents can also call a free immunisation helpline 0800 IMMUNE.
