November 27, 2018
Santa’s gift a meningococcal jab
Northland District Council is to conduct a vaccination programme to combat a spike in meningococcal W.
There have been seven cases in the region this year, including three deaths.
DHB chief executive Nick Chamberlain says with Christmas approaching, it will be a huge logistical feat to vaccinate 20,000 children and youth before they go on holiday.
The three week programme starting December 5 will target Northland children aged from 9 months to under 5 years and those aged 13 to under 20 years at the time of presentation.
Dr Chamberlain says research shows that vaccinating those two population groups will have the greatest impact on reducing meningococcal disease spreading in the entire community.
If the DHB can get more vaccine it hopes to vaccinate the entire population under 20 years as it did in 2011 for the meningococcal C strain.
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