A free meningococcal disease vaccination programme rolls out today in Northland following a nationwide outbreak that has caused 10 deaths - nearly a third of them in Northland.
But with a vaccine shortage, the Government has only been able to procure 20,000 doses, meaning not everyone is eligible to receive one.
Northland DHB community paediatrician Dr Aisla Tuck spoke with TVNZ1's Breakfast today about the specifics of the programme, and what you should do if you or your children aren't eligible for the vaccine.
Who is eligible?
- Children under five years old in Northland
- Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 in Northland
"Traditionally, it's the young kids, the under 5-year-olds, that are at risk of dying when they contract meningococcal," Dr Tuck said, explaining that the doses for 13 to 19-year-olds is more about herd immunity. "They're a population that are a reservoir or a carrier of the disease. They're not unwell but they can carry the bacteria."
Does that mean children 5-12 and adults aren't at risk?
Not necessarily. But it's a small risk.
"That's been a challenge for us with this campaign," Dr Tuck said. "We've got a vaccine supply shortage, and with the vaccines that we have, we're doing what's evidence based as the best way for us to create the biggest protection for our community.
"But yes, adults as well and children of all ages are at risk - bearing in mind again it's a small risk, but of course this is a very scary, important disease. So our whole community are on the alert for this, and we're taking it very seriously."
What else can people do to stop the spread?
"There isn't a magic bullet, of course," Dr Tuck said. "We always promote the routine hygiene aspects which we teach our children about sharing drink bottles and eating utensils, covering your mouth when you cough and you sneeze."
There's a broader issue with young people living in unhealthy, overcrowded housing, but that's a system-level issue rather than something most individuals can do, she said.
Getting checked out early if you have any concerns can also help.
What are the signs?
"The thing that's really scary and hard for us is that the early signs of this disease can look just like anything else," Dr Tuck said. "So we are in a current state where, although we're not at panic levels, we just need to listen to yourself as a parent. If you're worried, get your young person checked out. And the same goes for adults. This affects young adults as well.
"So look after each other and get checked out - that's the message."
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