HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLBEING
Health alerts and advice from Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
Pertussis (whooping cough) awareness and prevention
A pertussis epidemic was declared across Aotearoa New Zealand on 22 November.
Whooping cough epidemic declared across Aotearoa New Zealand – Health New Zealand
Pertussis (also known as whooping cough) can be particularly severe, and sometimes fatal, for babies many of whom require hospital care.
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is encouraging those who are pregnant or have regular contact with young babies or preschool children to check they are up to date with pertussis vaccinations.
Whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine – Health New Zealand
Protect against measles
Measles is a serious and extremely contagious disease that affects adults and children.
Measles is increasing in countries that Kiwis travel to frequently, including South-East Asia, Europe and the United States.
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is encouraging vaccination for people who do not have immunity to measles, particularly those who are planning to travel overseas in the school holidays.
Measles Immunity – Health New Zealand
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine – Health New Zealand
Funded meningococcal vaccines for eligible rangatahi
Meningococcal disease spreads easily in close living situations and can be fatal within hours.
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is encouraging rangatahi to get a meningococcal vaccine if they are entering their first year of shared accommodation in a boarding school hostel, university halls of residence, military barracks or youth justice facility.
Meningococcal vaccines – Health New Zealand
Support with checking vaccination records
Advice about vaccines and immunisation records for children aged 16 and under is available from the free vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26, 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. Māori, Pacific and disability support services are available to provide assistance.