ational Immunisation
Schedule
Changes to the Schedule - Feb 2002
From 1st February 2002, some changes will be made to the NZ National Immunisation Schedule.
1. IPV (inactivated polio vaccine) replaces OPV (oral polio vaccine) -IPV will be given as the combined vaccine - DTaP-IPV.
2. A fifth DTaP dose is added at the 4 yr old preschool visit.
3. Adult Tetanus (Td) boosters will be given at 45 yrs and 65 yrs (instead of every 10 yrs)
The Schedule:
6 weeks: DTaP-IPV, Hib-Hepatitis B
3 months: DTaP-IPV, Hib-Hepatitis B
5 months: DTaP-IPV, Hepatitis B
15 months: MMR and DTaP/Hib
4 years: DTaP-IPV, MMR
11 years: IPV (for those who have not received 4 doses) , Td
45 years: Td
65 years: Td , Influenza.
Key: D = Diptheria, T-Tetanus, aP = acellular Pertussis, IPV = Inactivated Polio Vaccine, Hib = Haemophilus influenza type b, MMR= measles, mumps and rubella, Td = adult tetanus-diptheria.
The Immunisation Certificate:
All children born from January 1995 require an Immunisation Certificate. The Certificate shows whether the child has completed the series of childhood immunisations. The nurse or doctor will sign the certificate when the last of these immunisations is given (usually 15 months). If you choose not to immunise the certificate can be signed by your nurse or doctor at any time. When your child starts at childhood centre, kohanga reo or primary school you will be asked to show the certificate. The information on the certificate is recorded in a register. The Medical Officer of Health will check the register if there is a threat of disease in your area. Children who have not been immunized will be offered immunisation. Unimmunised children may be asked to stay at home until the disease has gone, to protect them from getting the disease and to prevent the disease from spreading . The purpose of the certificate is to safeguard the health of New Zealand children. A certificate can be found in the back of the child's Well Child - Tamariki Ora Health Book.
Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) www.imac.auckland.ac.nz