Hib vaccine made available

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 521, 1 February 1994, Page 7

Hib vaccine made available

by Patrick O'Conner, Medical Officer of Health From 27 January, free immunisation is available for protection against infections caused by Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib). These infections usually affect the brain (meningitis), the throat (epiglottitis) or the blood (septicaemia). There are an average of 1 20 cases per year in young New Zealand children, most often under the age of 18. There were four cases in the Wanganui area in 1993, all under the age of three. This infection is the most common cause of meningitis in young children. About 5 per cent of cases are fatal, while in many others the child is left with long-term effects such as hearing loss or brain damage. In New Zealand the vaccine will be gi ven along with other vaccines in the first year of life and at 1 8 months. Most doses are given together with doses for whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria. This makes life easier for child and parent. There is also a catch-up programme for children below the age of five. The vaccine is safe and is used in several overseas countries such as England, USA, Australia and Finland. In such countries there has been a marked reduction in the number of cases. It is hoped that introduction of the vaccine will be an opportunity to improve our immunisation rate for all vaccines. At present less than 60 per cent of New Zealand children receive all Turn To Page 11

Hib vacine

From Page 7 immunisation doses by the age of two. Our rate appears to be nearer to 70 per cent, but there is still room for improvement. The vaccine is available free to children under five through general practitioners and practice nurses. For further information please phone them, or contact Health Promotion and Protection- 06-345-5527.