Why are Childhood vaccinations so important?

Childhood Immunisation is the best way to protect you, your child, your whānau and your community against serious diseases.

The vaccinations are FREE at all our Local Doctors clinics, and start as early as 6 weeks old for babies, progressing through 3 months, 5 months, one year, 15 months and 4 years, and as early as 16 weeks for pregnant women.

Childhood immunisation is part of the National Immunization Schedule, and all children in New Zealand are eligible for free vaccinations up until the age of 18.

How does it work?

Babies are born with a natural defence system from their mums, but with time, it starts to wear off, increasing their likelihood of becoming sick.

The vaccine stimulates your baby’s immune system to produce antibodies that will fight the virus or bacteria when in contact with them.

By receiving the recommended immunisations at the recommended ages, babies and children can build a stronger immune system to fight these diseases.

The earlier they take their vaccine, the better!

The immunity

By the age of 5, children must be immunised against 12 preventable diseases, including:

• Pneumococcal disease
• Rotavirus
• Chickenpox (varicella)
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Whooping cough (pertussis)
• Polio
• Hepatitis B
• Haemophilus influenza type b.

The Covid-19 vaccine can also be given to children over 5 years old.

Pregnant women can also get immunised against:

• Influenza
• Tetanus
• Whooping Cough
• Covid-19

Immunisations are still SAFE for children who have:
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Or are recuperating from an illness like the common cold

Immunisation’s Record

If you're unsure about your child’s vaccine record, talk to your nurse or GP to confirm you're up to date with their immunisation.

You can also talk to our team for any extra information about children, teenagers and adults' immunisation.

Find a clinic

When you enrol with Local Doctors, you have the choice of how and where you want to see us, and you aren’t restricted to the clinic you enrolled with (prices may vary).

Find our nearest clinic to you and join us to help reduce the spread of the viruses among the children in our community.