The main objective of this study is to to assess the impact of a new vaccine (MeNZB). This report updates findings from earlier studies assessing the impact of the MeNZB vaccine by including data to the end of December 2008.
Immunisation is one of the Government's six Health Targets, with the health sector seeking to have 95% of all New Zealand two-year-olds fully immunised by 2012.
The serosurvey is based on blood test results of children aged 6-15 years and adults aged from 16-70 years. The study from 2005 to 2007 measures immunity derived from vaccination or past infection.
While there is good evidence that MeNZBTM is effective, the epidemic strain is continuing to circulate. It is important to continue to protect the vulnerable birth cohort until there is another vaccine to take the place of MeNZBTM or the risk to newborns becomes very low, as evidenced by low rates of disease in vaccinated and unvaccinated.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant problem worldwide. Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunisation is used in many countries as part of their TB control programme. The efficacy of BCG immunisation in preventing TB in adults is unclear, but its efficacy in preventing serious extrapulmonary disease in infants is widely accepted.
The National Childhood Immunisation Survey 2005 involved interviewing the caregivers of 1563 children aged two to three years old throughout the country from January to March 2005. The study looked at immunisation coverage of the primary series of vaccinations up to the age of two years. Caregiver responses were verified from written records.
The framework for the collection, exchange and management of health information about identifiable individuals held on the National Immunisation Register (NIR) falls