There is "still work to be done" to ensure that more New Zealanders avoid debilitating and deadly diseases, an Immunisation Health Report has found.
The Meningitis Foundation surveyed 1500 people – most of whom were parents, to provide a snapshot of what New Zealanders think about vaccines.
The report, released today, found that 96 percent of parents have vaccinated their children against diseases like meningitis, measles and whooping cough, although only 87 percent have vaccinated them fully.
Of the 4 percent of parents who chose not to vaccinate their children around half said it was because they believe vaccines are unsafe or risky.
The Meningitis Foundation's Paul Gilberd says he is "concerned" that one in ten parents do not feel well informed about vaccines.
He suggests parents use the report as a source of "reliable, accurate information" which they can discuss together, and with their health practitioners.
Mr Gilberd also confirmed the potentially deadly impacts of ignoring vaccinations, and says in particular the first 24 hours of flu-like symptoms are "absolutely critical".
"Meningitis can develop at frightening speed, leaving victims and parents very little time to seek medical attention," he says. "Indeed this often comes too late".
The new health target for the Government is to focus on earlier, on-time vaccinations. It aims to have 95 percent of eight-month-olds immunised by the end of 2014.
General practitioner Dr Api Talemaitoga suggests there may be a dangerous perception among some parents that their children will gain enough protection if others in the community are being immunised.
"It is simply not acceptable to let others do the heavy lifting," she says.
The immunisation report will be launched at a parliamentary reception this evening by Health Minister Tony Ryall.
3 News
source: newshub archive
