Outreach Immunisation Services (OIS)

Introduction to Outreach Immunisation Services (OIS)

Our service is dedicated to assisting families with children up to six years old who are overdue for immunisations and have not responded to three reminders from their Primary Health Care provider. We provide flexible and convenient immunisation services, available both in-home and within community settings. This initiative aims to improve immunisation coverage and address accessibility gaps, our goal is to empower families, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their child's health. Referral to this service is via the child’s Primary Health Care provider.

 

 

Key Points About Childhood Immunisation

  • Protection from Serious Diseases: Vaccination protects children from severe and potentially fatal illnesses.
  • Timely Vaccination: Administering vaccines on schedule is crucial to safeguard pregnant women, infants, and children from preventable diseases.
  • Early Initiation: Immunisations begin during pregnancy and continue for children starting at 6 weeks old.
  • Free Vaccinations: Vaccines listed on the National Immunisation Schedule are free for all babies, children, and young people in New Zealand.
  • Benefits Outweigh Risks: The benefits of vaccination far outweigh any associated risks.

     

Why Does My Child Need Vaccination?

In the past, diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, and whooping cough caused significant harm and even death in children. Today, vaccines effectively shield children from these and other serious illnesses by stimulating their immune systems to produce antibodies without causing illness.

 

National Immunisation Schedule

The National Immunisation Schedule in New Zealand provides a comprehensive list of vaccines available free of charge for babies, children, adolescents, and adults. This schedule specifies recommended ages for vaccination to ensure optimal effectiveness.

Vaccines covered under this schedule include:

  • Chickenpox
  • Diphtheria
  • Hepatitis B
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
  • Measles
  • Mumps
  • Pneumococcal disease
  • Polio
  • Rotavirus
  • Rubella
  • Tetanus
  • Whooping cough (Pertussis)
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Meningococcal B (Meningitis)

These vaccines are vital in protecting against a wide range of diseases and are administered according to stringent guidelines to ensure effective immunisation outcomes.

 

 

Preparing for Vaccination

Vaccinations are typically administered as injections in your child's arm or leg, with the rotavirus vaccine given orally as drops.

Parents can assist in the following ways:

  • During Pregnancy: Check which vaccines are recommended during your pregnancy.
  • Starting at 6 Weeks: Begin vaccinating your baby on time, starting at 6 weeks of age.
  • Booking Early: Schedule appointments early in the day for young children and plan a calm day afterwards.
  • Comfort Measures: Bring a stuffed toy or blanket for comfort and distraction during the vaccination.
  • Feeding: For babies, feed them immediately after vaccination to help soothe them.
  • Comforting: Hold your child firmly, speak calmly, and gently stroke their arm or back.

     

Reactions to Vaccinations

About 1 in 10 children may experience a reaction to vaccinations. Most of these reactions are mild, such as a low-grade fever or redness at the injection site. These responses indicate that the immune system is responding to the vaccine, which is a positive sign that the vaccine is effective. It's important to note that very rarely, a serious allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis can occur. This type of reaction typically occurs shortly after the injection, which underscores the importance of staying at the vaccination site for 20 minutes after receiving the vaccine. If you have any concerns or notice signs of a severe reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, seek immediate medical attention.

 

Making Informed Choices

In Aotearoa New Zealand, vaccination is not compulsory but is highly recommended. With abundant information available, it's crucial to consider its source to make informed decisions.

Here are key points to consider:

  • Sound Evidence: Ensure the information is based on reliable scientific evidence and research.
  • Up-to-Date: Verify that the information is current and reflects the latest findings and recommendations.
  • Relevance to Aotearoa New Zealand: Check if the information applies specifically to New Zealand's health context, as recommendations can vary by country.

By evaluating these factors, you can make a well-informed choice about vaccination for yourself and your family.

More information can be found here:

0800 IMMUNE / 0800 466 863