Immunisation

Immunisation is one of the most effective ways of helping people stay well and free from many diseases. It is recommended by the World Health Organization, the New Zealand Ministry of Health and medical authorities.

We see less vaccine preventable diseases in New Zealand due to the effectiveness of the National Immunisation Programme.

Immunisation for infants and children

National schedule immunisations are free for all children in New Zealand and are available at your GP. Click here to watch a Ministry of Health video about protecting your baby from serious diseases. Make sure you immunise your baby/child on time – at 6 weeks, 3 months, 5 months, 15 months and 4 years old. Phone your family doctor or practice nurse to book an appointment to have these done.

Immunisation for pre-teenage children

There are immunisations on the National Immunisation Schedule for all children to have at age 11 and 12 years old. These immunisations are offered in year 7 and 8 at school by the Public Health School Based Service but they are also available at your family doctor if you would prefer to have your child immunised there.  The Public Health School Based Service will send a consent form home with your child from school, in the earlier part of the school year (usually around March) for you to complete offering these immunisations. If you are wanting to have the immunisations at your GP or your child has already had them you can indicate this to the Public Health School Based Service on the consent form.

There is a “drop in” immunisation clinic every Monday from 1.00pm to 6.00pm at the Napier Health Centre childrens clinic, Wellesley Road.

For all age groups for eligible immunisations from babies through to pregnant women.  Good alternative for those without a GP, or new to the area/country.

Immunisation in pregnancy

Pregnant women are encouraged to have immunisations to protect against influenza and whooping cough. Influenza and its complications can severely affect pregnant women and their babies, and whooping cough can be devastating if caught by a newborn baby. Having these immunisations in pregnancy protects mum but also gives her baby some protection against these diseases when it’s first born. Influenza immunisation can be given at any stage in pregnancy and is free from 1 April until 31 December. Whooping cough immunisation is given to women in the second trimester, recommended from 16 weeks pregnant and is available throughout the year.  The whooping cough immunisation also boosts immunity to diphtheria and tetanus. These immunisations are recommended in every pregnancy. Talk to your midwife, family doctor or practice nurse.

There are "walk-in" clinics for pregnant women running out of Ata Rangi - Hawke's Bay Hospital maternity each Wednesday from 11am - 1pm and also out of Napier Health Centre, every Monday from 1pm-3:30pm, except Public Holidays. No appointments are necessary.