Measles Vaccinations in Kapiti

With the measles outbreak continuing, it is important that all children have received their MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccination and, to help ensure that the disease doesn’t spread within the community, all age groups should consider their immunity status. The information below outlines the current information from the New Zealand Immunisation Authority and was provided to Kapiti Health Advisory Group by Tu Ora Compass.

MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) Vaccination Needs by Age Group

‍70 years or older:  People aged in their 70s and older do not need an MMR vaccine

Mid-50s and 60s:  People aged in their mid-50s and in their 60s are very unlikely to need a vaccine, but it can be considered if necessary, e.g. travelling to high-risk countries

Adults to mid-50s:  People aged younger than mid-50s need MMR if they do not have a clear record of two doses of measles-containing vaccine or confirmed measles. Two doses, at least 4 weeks apart

Childhood:  Two scheduled MMR doses should be given at 12 months and 15 months of age. Children who have not received two documented doses can be offered catch-up doses, given at least 4 weeks apart. If a child receives an MMR0 dose before 12 months of age, they still require the two scheduled doses at 12 months and 15 months Children vaccinated overseas It is important to check vaccine history for children vaccinated overseas to ensure any missing MMR vaccines are offered as part of a priority infant and child catch-up vaccination programme

Immunisation Records

If people are unsure of their immunity to measles, they can check immunisation records dating back to 2005 on My Health Record. Or call the Vaccination Helpline for free on 0800 28 29 26 to check immunisation records for children and young people. If still unsure, they can contact their GP, healthcare or Hauora provider. There is also more information here: Measles immunity and there is a questionnaire that you can complete to assist with your likely vaccination status.  Further information is here: Immunisations

Kāpiti Vaccination Providers:

• All local General Practices (including Pacific Health Plus Kāpiti and Te Puna Oranga o Ōtaki) will immunise their enrolled population

• Pharmacies are open to anyone, including: 

 - Raumati Road Pharmacy

 - Life Pharmacy Coastlands

 - Life Pharmacy Kapiti Coast

 - Waikanae Health Pharmacy

 - Westbury Pharmacy

Hours vary and some offer drop in clinics, some need appointments (or do variation of both) It is best to check directly with the provider. There are many participating pharmacies in Porirua as well if people are travelling.

Costs of Vaccinations

The cost is free for MMR vaccination if the person is entitled to NZ funded healthcare (i.e. all under 18 year olds irrelevant of visa status etc.) but for over 18 year old’s, particular criteria may apply according to age/potential risk. The vaccination itself is free but there may be a provision charge at some providers. It would pay to check with the individual provider.

Kapiti Immunisation Data

Kāpiti immunisation data is not shown by individual immunisations but below are the % of tamariki fully immunised at 8 months and 24 months. The dotted blue line is the goal – and Kāpiti is below this, except for Pacific children. Raising our proportion of vaccinated tamariki will help protect all of our little ones from what can be an unpleasant, and sometimes fatal, infection.

And 24 months:

Note this is rolling information so a snap shot of the tamariki within a specific time

period who are vaccinated. The numbers of children at the appropriate age will vary

(so for example the big increase in % for Pacific children at 24 months in the last

month may be because one child who turned two was vaccinated!)