Thousands of Waikato children not protected from measles AND mumps with confirmed cases

The Waikato DHB estimates that there are between 5,000 to 6,000 children in the Waikato under the age of 15 that have not been fully immunised against the measles virus and mumps.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr Richard Hoskins confirmed today (1 November 2019) there’ve been at least three cases of Mumps in the last week and possibly more to come.
It is important the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR) is delivered on time to children as part of the national immunisation schedule.

Mumps
It is sadly still about, especially in young adults in Hamilton. "Please don’t spread it," urges Dr Hoskins. "If you get swollen tender cheeks, you need to be in isolation at home for 5 days after the symptoms start.
"You can get it up to 3.5 weeks after being in contact with someone with it."

Measles
As of 30 October 2019, the Medical Officer of Health has confirmed 34 cases of measles in Waikato DHB since 1 August (50 since 1 January 2019). Most are related to the Auckland outbreaks. This information and more is regularly updated here: www.waikatodhb.health.nz/measles

Over 80% of measles cases have been Māori and Pacific people in both Waikato and Auckland’s outbreak.
With more vaccine now available, and more due to arrive in the coming months, Waikato’s general practices can continue to ensure on-time childhood vaccinations are delivered (15months and 4 years of age - 12months if requested by parents) as well as extend vaccination to the following:

Children aged 1 to 14 years of age:
- 1 to 4 year olds whose vaccinations are overdue - including GPs to actively recall children aged under 5 years who need catch-up vaccination.
- Vaccination of all unimmunised children aged 5 to 14 years of age (this includes one catch-up dose of MMR for those aged 5-14 years who do not have one documented MMR vaccination) - GPs can actively recall.
Whānau/parents/carers - we need to stop measles and now mumps in its tracks.

FREE MMR clinic
Running at the Waikato DHB site at the Te Mana Kuratahi, National Primary Schools Haka Competition on Tuesday 4 November and Wednesday 5 November.