Getting immunised as a whānau
All members of a whānau (family) being fully vaccinated creates a bubble of protection around pēpi (baby), tamariki, kaumātua (older people), and other vulnerable whānau. Your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider will be able to tell you which vaccinations your whānau are eligible for.
Get all your whānau immunised for best protection
People immunised against vaccine-preventable diseases are less likely to get these diseases and pass them on to others in their whānau.
Pēpi (babies), kaumātua (older people), and those with long-term health conditions are very vulnerable if exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases. They could become very sick and it could be life-threatening. All members of a whānau being fully vaccinated creates a bubble of protection.
If anyone has missed a vaccination, don’t worry, most vaccinations can be caught up on. If you’re unsure if you or your whānau are up to date with your vaccinations, contact your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider.
How to get immunised as a whānau
Some health services offer group appointments for immunisations. Contact your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider to see if your whānau can have a group appointment so you can all get vaccinated together.
Flu and COVID-19 group whānau bookings
COVID-19 and flu immunisations for groups of up to 30 people can be booked:
- online through Book My Vaccine, or
- over the phone by calling 0800 28 29 26 - 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
There’s an option to book both these vaccines at the same time.
Immunisations your whānau may need
In Aotearoa New Zealand, we have a National Immunisation schedule. This outlines the free vaccines offered to babies, children, teenagers, and adults at certain times in their life.
Check the schedule to see what immunisations you may need
If you’re not sure what immunisations you, or a member of your whānau have had, you can:
- check their Well Child Tamariki Ora My Health Book (previously called Plunket Book), or
- phone and talk to your nurse or healthcare provider.
If you are not able to confirm an immunisation, your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider may advise you to play it safe and get immunised. It’s better to be vaccinated and protected.
Each vaccination on the schedule is timed for the best immune response and protection
The schedule is deliberately spaced to boost immunity. For the best protection against disease, immunise at the recommended times. Not getting immunised on time puts you, and your tamariki, at greater risk of getting a serious disease.
Extra immunisations for those at high-risk and those in close-living situations
Extra immunisations may be available for your whānau. This includes free immunisations for those at high-risk and those in close-living situations (such as tertiary hostels and halls of residence). Additional vaccines can also be purchased for extra protection and for overseas travel.