Immunisation Overview

Key points about immunisation

• immunisation protects tamariki against a range of serious diseases
• immunisation on time is the most effective way to protect hapū māmā, pēpi and tamariki from preventable disease
• immunising pēpi the day they turn 6 weeks old is the best way to protect them
• childhood immunisations are free in Aotearoa
• the benefits of immunisation far outweigh the risks

Why does my child need immunisation?

Immunising tamariki in Aotearoa against a range of diseases keeps them safe. These diseases can cause serious illness, cancers later in life, and sometimes death. 

In the past, diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough killed many tamariki. Today, vaccines protect aganist these and other diseases.

Immunisation has wiped out some of the killer diseases of childhood in New Zealand.

• tetanus is very rare - although it still happens in children who haven't been immunised
• New Zealand is free of polio and diphtheria

But, these diseases still exist in other countries.

Protecting those who can't have immunisations

Immunisation protects your child but it also protects those most at risk. This includes pēpi who are too young for immunisation or tamariki with weakened immune systems. These pēpi and tamariki rely on those around them being immunised.

Epidemics in Aotearoa New Zealand

There are still epidemics or outbreaks of some diseases in Aotearoa, including:

• whooping cough (pertussis)
• measles
• mumps

Where to go for immunisation

You usually need to take pēpi and tamariki to a GP practice for their immunisation.

Some pēpi and tamariki can have their immunisation from other services like Māori and Pacific providers or outreach services.

Check immunisation providers in your area.

Childhood immunisations

The resource below is also available in Cook Islands Māori, Samoan and Tongan at the HealthEd website.

Find out what immunisations your child needs, and when, at the Immunise website.

You can create a chart for your pēpi at the Immunise website. By putting in your child's birthday, it will show you the immunisations your pēpi needs and when they should have them.

The chart below is just an example - create one for your pēpi

Some tamariki need extra immunisations:

• hepatitis B immunisation at birth - for all babies whose mothers have hepatitis B
• BCG immunisation to protect against tuberculosis
• meningococcal immunisation for those at increased risk of types A, C, Y and W

Talk to your GP practice.

Tips for when pēpi and tamariki have their immunisations

Check out some tips about the immunisation appointment

After immunisation

Reactions to immunisation

Tamariki can have reactions to immunisations. Most of these are mild, such as redness on the arm or a grizzly child for a day or two.

A reaction is an expected sign that the immune response is building and the vaccine is working. Occasionally, more concerning reactions occur like prolonged crying. Although worrying at the time, research shows there are no long-term problems following such reactions. But, if you are concerned, contact your GP practice.

Paracetamol and immunisation

Tamariki are more likely to get a fever or a high fever after immunisation with MenB (Bexsero). When your pēpi has their MenB vaccine, paracetamol can help lower any fever and make them more comfortable.

Find out more about paracetamol and meningococcal immunisation.  

Immunisation - your choice

Immunisation is not compulsory in New Zealand. There is a lot of inaccurate information on immunisation and this can be confusing. It's important to check out the source of the material. Ask:

• is it based on sound evidence?
• is it up to date information taking the latest research into consideration?
• does it relate to Aotearoa New Zealand?

Talk to your GP practice.

Watch a video from Immunise: Louis' parents talk about their anxiety around vaccine side effects

More videos about immunisation

Watch a series of 10 short videos answering your questions about immunisation

Watch some short videos about protecting your child from serious diseases

Whānau talk about their experience of immunisation (video from Auckland, Northland, Waitemata and Counties Manukau DHBs)

Immunisation and how it works

You can watch a longer video (5 minutes 2 seconds) from the Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora about immunisation and how it works.
See the transcript by scrolling down the page on the Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora website.

See more KidsHealth content on immunisation

Check out KidsHealth's section on immunisation