Childhood Immunisation
Date: 28 Apr 2025
Keeping Our Pēpi & Tamariki Safe, Ensuring a Healthy Future
We understand that every whānau has their own unique journey when it comes to the health and well-being of their pēpi and tamariki. Immunising them is one of the best ways to protect them from serious, preventable māuiui, helping them grow up healthy, strong, and safe.
We also know how important it is to listen, understand, and provide care that reflects the needs of your whānau. We're here with you, every step of the way, to help you make informed decisions in a way that feels right for your whānau. Together, we can work towards a healthier future for our pēpi and tamariki.
If you have any questions or would like to kōrero with us, we’re here to listen and support you. If you choose to immunise your pēpi/tamariki, you’ll automatically go in the draw to win 1 of 3 special prizes — supporting the wellbeing, hauora, and everyday expenses of you and your whānau! More information is available below.
Why immunise your pēpi and tamariki?
Immunisation is one of the best ways to protect your pēpi and tamariki from serious diseases like whooping cough, measles, pneumonia, and polio. While pēpi receive some protection from their māmā at birth, this doesn’t last long, so immunisation provides ongoing protection.
Immunisation helps prevent long-term health issues, protects the most vulnerable in our whānau, such as pēpi, kaumātua, and those with weakened immune systems, and keeps harmful māuiui from spreading. It’s one of the best ways to ensure your tamariki stays strong and healthy but also contribute to the wellbeing of our communities.
Find out more here: https://kiapuaawai.co.nz/immunisations/
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines help your child’s immune system get ready to fight harmful germs. They contain a weakened or inactivated version of a germ, which teaches the body to recognise it and create antibodies. This helps the immune system respond quickly if it encounters the same māuiui again, keeping your pēpi and tamariki protected from serious illness.
To ensure your pēpi and tamariki are fully protected, it's important they receive all the recommended vaccine doses.
Find out more here: https://info.health.nz/immunisations/how-vaccines-work
Are vaccines safe?
Yes, vaccines are very safe. Vaccines undergo extensive testing by scientists worldwide and in Aotearoa to ensure they are safe and effective. Only vaccines with a proven excellent safety profile are licensed in New Zealand. Once approved, their safety is continually monitored in New Zealand and around the world. The benefits of immunisation far outweigh any risks, helping to protect against serious māuiui.
Find out more here: https://healthed.govt.nz/products/childhood-immunisation
Can vaccines overwhelm the immune system of my pēpi/tamariki?
No, vaccines do not overload the immune system. This is a common myth, but in reality, babies’ immune systems are designed to handle many germs at once. Every day, they are exposed to thousands of bacteria and viruses, and their immune systems manage this easily. Modern vaccines have far fewer disease particles (antigens) than older vaccines, even though they protect against more māuiui.
The immune system of your pēpi/tamariki can handle the small number of antigens in vaccines with no problem. In fact, it can respond to more than 10,000 vaccines at once if needed. Delaying vaccinations puts your pēpi/tamariki at risk of serious māuiui, so it's important to follow the recommended vaccination schedule to keep them protected.
Find out more here: https://healthed.govt.nz/products/childhood-immunisation
When should your pēpi/tamariki be immunised?
Immunisation begins at 6 weeks old, helping your pēpi start building protection just as the immunity passed on by their māmā starts to fade. Māuiui can affect pēpi and tamariki at any time, so it’s important they get immunised on time to provide the best protection from serious illnesses.
The recommended schedule is:
• 6 weeks
• 3 months
• 5 months
• 12 months
• 15 months
• 4 years
• 11 years
If you're unsure whether your pēpi/tamariki or any whānau member has received all their immunisations, have a kōrero with us. We can guide you on which vaccines are needed.
Find out more about the immunisation schedule here: https://info.health.nz/immunisations/national-immunisation-schedule
Do vaccines contain toxic chemicals, viruses, or cells?
No, vaccines do not contain toxic chemicals, viruses, or harmful cells. The ingredients in vaccines are present in very small, safe amounts. For example, aluminium is a naturally occurring element found in food, water, and even in our bodies. It is used in some vaccines to help boost the immune response, but the amount in vaccines is tiny compared to the amount we are exposed to daily through food and the environment.
Formaldehyde, another ingredient, is also naturally produced by the body for making DNA, and the amount in vaccines is far less than what we get from eating a pear. Vaccines may have other components to help preserve the vaccine or improve its effectiveness, but these are not harmful. The ingredients are tested for safety and are present in quantities far lower than what we encounter in our daily lives. So, vaccines are safe and do not contain harmful toxins or cells.
Find out more here: https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/for-health-professionals/clinical-guidance/immunisation-handbook/3-vaccination-questions-and-addressing-concerns
What diseases do vaccines protect against?
Immunisation helps protect against many māuiui that can be life-threatening or cause long-term health problems, including:
• Diphtheria – a serious disease that can cause breathing problems and damage the heart.
• Tetanus – a painful disease caused by bacteria from soil that can lead to muscle spasms and breathing issues.
• Whooping Cough – a highly contagious infection that can cause severe coughing, making it difficult for your pēpi/tamariki to breathe.
• Polio – a virus that can cause paralysis and sometimes death.
• Hepatitis B – a virus that causes liver damage and can lead to liver cancer.
• Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) – a bacteria that can cause serious infections, including meningitis and pneumonia.
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella – highly contagious viruses that can lead to severe health complications, including brain damage and blindness.
• Chickenpox – a virus that causes an itchy rash, which can lead to serious complications, especially in adults and pregnant wahine.
By immunising on time, you give your pēpi/tamariki the best protection possible against these māuiui.
Find out more here: https://info.health.nz/immunisations/vaccines-aotearoa/diphtheria-tetanus-whooping-cough-and-polio-vaccine, https://kiapuaawai.co.nz/pepi-and-tamariki/
We know that every māmā and whānau has their own journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re ready to book an appointment or just want to have a kōrero with us, we’re here to help.
● Tauranga Moana City Clinic
Location: 11 Tebbs Lane, Tauranga
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
● Te Akau Hauora Clinic
Location: 35 Hartford Avenue, Pāpāmoa
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
To book an Appointment: Call us at 0800 114 900 or email [email protected] to book.
Drop-In Clinics (No Appointment Needed):
● Tauranga Moana City Clinic
Every Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Every Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Every Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: 11 Tebbs Lane, Gate Pa, Tauranga
●Te Akau Hauora Clinic
Every Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: 35 Hartford Avenue, Pāpāmoa
Special Prizes for You & Your Whānau
We’re here to support you and your whānau, empowering you to make the best decisions for the hauora and wellbeing of you and your tamariki.
As a small token of appreciation, every māmā/whānau who brings their pēpi/tamariki in for immunisation will receive a goodie bag, plus the chance to win 1 of 3 Pak’n Save vouchers — supporting the wellbeing, hauora, and everyday expenses of you and your whānau!
T&Cs
1. Eligibility:
- Only patients enrolled at Tauranga Moana City Clinic or Te Akau Hauora Clinic can participate.
- Immunisations are free, and entries will only be valid for immunisations that take place between 28th April - 31st July 2025.
2. Prize Draws:
- The monthly prize draws will take place on the following dates:
● First draw: End of May 2025
● Second draw: End of June 2025
● Third draw: End of July 2025
- One entry per whānau regardless of the number of pēpi/tamariki immunised.
3. Winners Selection:
- Three winners will be drawn at the end of each month (end of May, June, and July).
- Winners will be selected randomly and contacted by phone and/or email.
4. How to Enter:
- Immunisations must take place between 28th April and 31st July 2025 to be eligible for the monthly draw.
- To be eligible, the immunisation visit must be booked at either the Tauranga Moana City GP Clinic or Te Akau Hauora GP Clinic, or with our outreach service.
5. General Terms:
- Only one entry per whānau.
- Winners must bring valid photo ID when claiming their prize.
- If a third party claims the prize on behalf of the winner, they must provide:
● Authorisation letter from the winner
● Photo ID of both the winner and the third party
6. Important Notes:
- Winners must respond within seven business days of being contacted, or the prize will be forfeited and another winner selected.
- Prizes can be collected from Tauranga Moana City Clinic or Te Akau Hauora Clinic.
- By entering, you agree to the terms and conditions of the Te Manu Toroa Promotions.
- This offer is available from Monday, 28 April to Thursday, 31 July 2025, exclusively for enrolled whānau at Tauranga Moana City Clinic or Te Akau Hauora Clinic.
- All māmā/whānau who immunise their pēpi or tamariki during this period will automatically be entered into the monthly draw to win 1 of 3 Pak’n Save vouchers, each valued at $300.