Immunisation protects your child from some serious but preventable diseases and helps to stop those diseases spreading.
When your child is young, serious diseases can make them extremely sick, and the effects can last for years.
There are 6 immunisation visits for babies and children up to age 5 years. The first is at 6 weeks, then at 3 months, 5 months, 12 months, 15 months and 4 years.
Delaying or missing these immunisations puts your child's health at risk when they most need protection. If your child has missed any, see their doctor or practice nurse to catch up.
Immunisation is your choice. Talk to your doctor or practice nurse, your midwife or your Well Child Tamariki Ora nurse to find out more about how to protect your child. You can also visit the Immunisation Advisory Centre's website, see further information on this website or call 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863).
Childhood immunisations are free
Immunisations are free to all children in New Zealand. Your doctor or practice nurse will give the immunisations. Immunisation begins when your child is 6 weeks old. You can view the timetable of recommended immunisations at New Zealand immunisation schedule.
Getting your child immunised on time will give them the best protection against disease.
The immunisations protect against:
- rotavirus
- diphtheria
- tetanus
- whooping cough (pertussis)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- hepatitis B
- polio (poliomyelitis)
- pneumococcal disease
- measles
- mumps
- rubella
- chickenpox (from 1 July 2017)
- human papillomavirus (HPV).
Immunising on time may also help to protect babies from dying suddenly in their sleep.
Related websites
Immunisation overview – Kidshealth
About immunisation, the vaccines and the diseases they protect against.
Immunisation Advisory Centre – University of Auckland
Resources for health professionals and parents on immunisation.
