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Immunisation

www.moh.govt.nz/immunisation
Immunisation can protect people against harmful infections, which can cause serious complications, including death. It is one of the most effective, and cost-effective medical interventions to prevent disease.

Immunisation uses the body’s natural defence mechanism, the immune response, to build resistance to specific infections. When an immunised person comes in contact with that disease in the future, their immune system will respond to prevent them developing the disease.

A selection of the vaccines which can prevent these diseases are included in the National Immunisation Schedule.

Common side-effects of immunisation are redness and soreness at the site of injections and mild fever. While these symptoms may be upsetting at the time, the benefit is protection from the disease. More serious reactions to immunisation are very rare.

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Page last updated: 23 June 2008

Immunisation Handbook


Cover image of the Immunisation Handbook 2006.
This Handbook provides information for health care professionals about the National Immunisation Schedule and recommendations for childhood and adult immunisations.

View the Immunisation Handbook 2006.

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