Public Health Units are currently dealing with a measles outbreak in a remote Hokianga community in Northland and a confirmed case just north of Wellington which is linked to the Hokianga group. With school holidays underway, there is a risk that measles could spread further afield as infected children travel to sports tournaments or participate in holiday programmes.

Parents are asked to check their child’s immunisations are up to date, particularly MMR, and to contact their GP if they are behind.  Those who choose not to immunise are being advised to keep their child at home if they suspect they have measles and to phone their GP or Healthline 0800 611 116 for advice before they bring their child to a busy waiting room.

Seasonal vaccine now protects against swine flu
This year’s seasonal influenza vaccine will protect you against Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu) as well as two other common influenza strains.

The vaccine is free for people who are at high-risk of developing complications from influenza.

The Ministry of Health is strongly encouraging everyone to get the seasonal influenza vaccine and to do it every year.

Ministry of Health