Helping keep childhood immunisations on track this winter

Winter often sees childhood immunisation appointments postponed because tamariki have a mild illness or whānau are concerned about spending time in waiting rooms with other unwell people. 

Te Whatu ora Health New Zealand is reminding practices that a mild illness, such as a cough, cold or low-grade fever, is usually not a reason to delay immunisation.  

There are several simple ways practices can help keep tamariki on schedule, including: 

• reminding clinical teams that mild illness is generally not a contraindication to vaccination 

• encouraging administration staff to offer whānau the opportunity to speak with a vaccinator before cancelling an appointment 

• including reminders in appointment messages that mild illness is usually not a barrier to immunisation 

• providing a separate waiting area for immunisation appointments where possible. 

A flyer is available to download and share with your practice team.