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Winter Vaccines

How to protect your whānau from illness this winter

We wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve missed some of your routine immunisations. Especially on the back of the various Covid Vaccines and boosters. However, winter is just around the corner. Consequently, serious illnesses such as Influenza (Flu), Meningitis, Measles and Whooping Cough are lurking around. Fortunately, many of you are eligible for free immunisations. Read below as Dr Daniel Calder explains why you need to be immunised and who is eligible for free immunisations. 

Flu Vaccines

The flu predominantly affects people in the winter. As a virus, it is constantly changing. Therefore, a new influenza vaccine, or ‘flu jab’, is developed every year. For this reason, we recommend that you get a flu jab every year to keep up with the ever-changing virus. Like the Covid vaccine, influenza immunisations help reduce the risk of getting seriously sick if you’re exposed to the Flu. Common flu symptoms include;  

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Shortness of breath
  • Upset stomach 
  • Muscle aches

Similar to other diseases, some people are more at risk of getting seriously ill than others. Thankfully, we offer free immunisations for those that meet the funding criteria:

  • All people 65 years of age and over.
  • Māori and Pacific people aged 55 to 64 years.
  • People under 65 years of age who have certain conditions/diseases.
  • People who are in any trimester of pregnancy.
  • Children 6 months to 12 years of age.

Meningitis Vaccines

Meningococcal disease is a severe and potentially fatal infection. It traditionally affects the spinal cord and brain lining. Consequently, it can have long-term effects, such as brain damage and hearing loss. Common symptoms include:

  • Stiff neck
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Vomiting 
  • Light sensitivity
  • Joint pain and even convulsive fits

Similar to the flu vaccine, getting vaccinated reduces the risk of getting meningococcal disease. Furthermore, it is vitally important that you and your children are vaccinated against Meningococcal B. Consequently, anyone who has had Meningococcal B opens themselves up to the long-term effects. 

Thankfully, Bexsero is available on the childhood National Immunisation Programme for;

  • Babies at three months, five months, and 12 months old.
  • All tamariki under five years old that have not had three doses. Free until 31 August 2025.

Mengingoccal B spreads quickly through shared items and physical touch. In fact, individuals who live in close quarters, such as a hostel, halls of residence or prison, are at a much higher risk of contracting the disease. Therefore, you will need two different vaccines if you’re aged 13 to 25 years;

  • One dose of the MenQuadfi® (A, C,W,Y) vaccine.
  • Two doses of the Bexsero (B) vaccine. The second dose can be given eight weeks after the first dose.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

MMR vaccines protect you from three serious infections known as Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Recently, NZ had its first confirmed case of measles since the outbreak in 2019 in Auckland on the 13th of February, 2023. Fortunately, MMR has not continued to spread through NZ at an alarming rate. However, many New Zealanders aged 15 to 29 years old missed the second dose of the MMR vaccine. As a result of changes in the MMR schedule in 2001. For this reason, many young adults only got one dose of the MMR vaccine. One dose is only 85% effective, whereas two doses are 99% effective. 

In short, we encourage all 15 to 29-year-olds to come in for a free MMR immunisation. 

Whooping Cough

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious infection that affects your respiratory system. In most instances, it spreads quickly through coughing and sneezing. The symptoms begin relatively mild, with a runny nose and sneezing. Later, this develops into a cough that includes a high-pitched whooping when the person breathes in.

From September 1st 2022, The Boostrix vaccine is funded for individuals meeting the following eligibility criteria:

  • A single dose for pregnant women in pregnancy’s second or third trimester.
  • Courses of up to four doses are funded for children from ages seven to 18 years, inclusive of completing full primary immunisation.
  • Single dose of vaccination for patients aged from 65 years old.
  • A single dose for vaccinating patients aged 45 without four previous tetanus doses.
  • Vaccination of previously unimmunised or partially immunised patients.
  • Revaccination following immunosuppression.
  • Boosting patients with tetanus-prone wounds.

Covid-19

Eligibility has been expanded for additional boosters.

In fact, if you have completed a primary vaccination course, you will be eligible to get another booster. Regardless of the number of boosters you have already had. This includes individuals;

  •   aged 30 and over or
  •   at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

If you are eligible for this extra booster, it must be at least 6 months since your last COVID-19 booster or a positive COVID-19 test.

MMR Vaccination | Measles Mumps Rubella Vaccination

Calling 15 to 29-year-olds. Here’s how to protect yourself & whānau from measles

It’s possible you missed a Measles Mumps Rubella Vaccination if you’re between 15-29.  Dr Calder explains why checking you have full measles protection through vaccination is especially important.

The exciting news is that New Zealand’s borders are well and truly open. Meaning we have welcomed the world back into our beautiful country. Unfortunately, an unwelcome visitor has joined us. Measles.

Recently, this common viral disease has made its way around the world and landed in New Zealand. Most notably in Auckland on the 13th of February, 2023, when New Zealand had its first confirmed case of measles since the outbreak in 2019. 

Measles is highly infectious. Did you know it’s 8 times more contagious than Covid-19? But, more importantly, measles can cause severe illness and nasty complications in unvaccinated people.

Getting immunised is easy and extremely safe.

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Measles Mumps Rubella Vaccination programme for 15 to 29-year-olds

You may be wondering why there is an MMR immunisation programme targeting 15 to 29-year-olds?

If you think this is for one-year-old babies, you’re right. However, the fact is that a large number of tamariki missed out on getting MMR vaccinations, and this leaves them at serious risk of getting sick with measles, mumps or rubella.

There are several reasons for this. First, many young adults missed their second childhood MMR vaccination. That’s mainly because the MMR schedule was changed in 2001. Consequently, some children got only one dose. Two doses give 99% protection against measles and rubella and 85% protection against the mumps, so it’s essential to get two doses.

Another reason why many children did not get this particular vaccination as a child is because of vaccine hesitancy. In 1998 a British doctor published a paper in the Lancet suggesting a link between the MMR vaccination and autism. This claim was completely wrong, and since then, extensive research and large studies have proved his theory to be incorrect and fraudulent. As a result, the doctor was struck off and was no longer allowed to practice medicine.

Five excellent reasons to get an MMR vaccination

  • Firstly, young adults risk getting measles in an outbreak that spreads rapidly through universities or student accommodation. Measles can make you very sick and worse still; it can have some severe complications like pneumonia and inflammation of the brain.
  • Secondly, Kiwis love to travel. However, measles is a much more common disease overseas, and the last thing you want is to be ill when on your big OE. So the Ministry of Health also recommends that you get vaccinated against measles before travelling if you intend to go abroad. Getting yourself vaccinated before travel is not only to prevent you from becoming ill while away but also because of the possibility of bringing measles back to NZ when you return.
  • Moreover, as the name suggests, MMR vaccination protects you not only from measles but also from Mumps and Rubella. Mumps can be an unpleasant infection, and although it is usually mild, it can cause complications like hearing loss, meningitis and rarely infertility in males.
  • Most importantly, however, are the potential consequences of getting rubella during pregnancy. There are risks of miscarriage or stillbirth, or the baby could have congenital disabilities. These may include blindness, deafness, heart defects or brain damage.
  • Finally, vaccinating against measles helps protect your whānau and community. 

Safety and side effects of Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccination

The MMR vaccination is exceptionally safe. It has been used for many years and given safely to billions of people. Our experienced nurses are happy to answer any questions you may have.

It’s quick and easy to get your vaccine, which you can get as an injection into the muscle of your upper arm or the leg for babies.

Any side effects tend to be mild and most commonly include some discomfort, redness and swelling at the injection site. Occasionally you may have a high fever or develop a rash, which fades after a day or two.

If you are unsure if you have had MMR vaccinations in the past, it is safe to have more doses to protect you from these preventable diseases. It can take up to two weeks to become immune after the vaccination. However, if you are not immune and have been exposed to measles, having an MMR vaccination within 72 hours helps to limit the spread. 

Finally, it is safe to simultaneously have an MMR vaccination and a Covid-19 shot or booster.

If you want to read more about MMR vaccination, visit the Immunisation Advisory Centre.

Getting an MMR Vaccine is an excellent opportunity for young people to step up, manaaki and take responsibility for their preventative health care. It helps protect your whole whānau and our community from Measles, Mumps and Rubella. We look forward to booking your MMR jab at Botany Junction Medical soon.

Isolating at home tips from botany junction Medical

7 things to do if you need to home isolate with Omicron

As the Omicron variant is now spreading quickly in the community, it won’t be surprising if you’ll need to home isolate as a contact of a positive case.  So above all, stay calm. Evidence shows that the Omicron variant is much milder than Delta and it’s unlikely you will need hospital care. Also, if you are fully vaccinated and had a booster, you may have no symptoms at all.  Most people will have a mild to moderate cold or flu-like illness, which means you should be able to look after yourself or family members at home. 

To help you out, we’ve put together a quick guide on what to do and how to take care of yourself below.

7 tips for home isolate with the Omicron variant

Naturally, protecting your whānau and community will be top of your mind if you’ve been exposed to Omicron. Of course, the best way to do this is by going into isolation. Without a doubt, this slows the spread of infection.

Isolation tips to follow while you manage Omicron at home

  1. Call Healthline on 0800 3585453 or record your visit online 
  2. Stay at home, do not go to work or school and do not have visitors to your home.
  3. Tell your employer or school that you are isolating. They need to know to keep others who may be close contacts safe and will be grateful for the information to help them plan.
  4. If possible try to isolate away from other family members.  This means it’s best to eat and sleep alone and wear a mask when close to other family members. Try not to share dishes, towels etc.
  5. Opening windows is a good way to get fresh air. This helps to limit the spread of the Omicron variant. During home isolation, you can go outside, but stay on your own property and away from neighbours.
  6. Reach out to friends and family to drop off any food or prescriptions and help with caring for or walking pets. 
  7. Follow the instructions about when to get a PCR test. Currently, testing is only for people who are symptomatic

Also, there’s lots of further tips on home isolation at whanau HQ  or covid19.govt.nz/isolation

Keep track of any Omicron symptoms (and get in touch if they get worse)

Fortunately,  symptoms of Omicron infection tend to be mild to moderate. More like what you might expect from getting a cold or the flu.

Look out for mild symptoms of the Omicron variant including:

  • Feeling tired
  • A  runny nose or sneezing 
  • Fever (38°+)
  • Sore or scratchy throat
  • Headache or body aches
  • Dry cough or breathlessness

Whilst most people who get Omicron will have a mild to moderate illness it will pay to monitor symptoms.  Especially, if you are pregnant or have a long term health condition, like diabetes, asthma, heart disease or cancer, you may need more support. It’s a great idea to keep a diary of your symptoms.

For a good list of treatment suggestions to manage symptoms of Omicron at home see Dr Kannangara’s blog on our sister clinic, Highbrook, site.

What to do if your symptoms get worse (and when to get help)

As always, our caring staff at Botany Junction are here to help you.  If you are concerned, we can arrange a phone consultation , or if needed, an appointment to be seen and assessed.

Keep in mind, our phones are especially busy at this time, so we might be delayed in answering your call. General information on how to assess if your omicron symptoms are mild, moderate or severe can be found on Health Navigator

Don’t wait if your symptoms suddenly get worse or you have difficulty breathing. Call 111 for an ambulance.  

level 3 and what it means for seeing your GP

Level 3 what it means for visiting your GP

Moving into Level 3

Phew! We got through Level 4 lockdown, and now you might be about Level 3 and what it means for seeing your GP. As of Wednesday morning, we’ll be operating under Level 3 rules, but of course at Botany Junction, our team has continued providing essential healthcare for people over telephone and video throughout. People that require an in-person appointment are seen after an initial telephone assessment, in our dedicated area at the back of the clinic with all the appropriate COVID-19 safety precautions. This will stay in place to ensure we keep everyone safe.

As we finally transition to Level 3, we know you’ll all be taking a deep breath and doing all you can to help stamp out this latest outbreak. Our East Tāmaki community have been amazing not becoming complacent. You’ve been doing everything possible to cut off any new lines of transmission. I’ve compiled some answers to some of the more common questions that people have asked.

Why is Delta different?

The Delta variant is highly infectious and transmits more easily when compared with the original version of COVID-19.  

This means that a large number of people have become infected despite the strict lockdown measures, but even more people would have been infected by now if we had not had a lock-down. Typically, if one household member gets COVID-19, everyone living in the same house will get it, the lock-down is there to prevent spread outside of the household bubble.  

This is the way we protect ourselves, our whānau and especially the vulnerable members of our community like the elderly, those with diabetes and other health conditions which make them more at risk if they become infected with Covid-19.  For some straightforward information about how Delta is different, check out Siouxsie Wiles’ article.

If you are not an essential worker, please stay at home, unless you are getting medical attention, a vaccination, buying food, going to a chemist or petrol station. Always use the Covid Tracer App or sign in. You can also go out for exercise but please stay local.

Got Covid-like symptoms? Here’s what to do. 

If you feel unwell at all, even if it is just a runny nose or tickly throat, please call us on 09 265 0321  to arrange a booked appointment for a free Covid-19 swab. Have a look at the handy Covid-19 symptom checker if you are not sure if it could be Covid.

If you have been in contact with a person who has tested positive for Covid 19,  or been at a place of interest, please isolate at home and phone Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice on what to do next. 

While you are waiting for the result of your Covid-19 test, it is very important to stay at home, in isolation. If you are unwell and need medical help, please ring the clinic as we are here to help and a consultation can be arranged over the phone or by a video link. 

Why should I wear a mask?

We understand that wearing a mask is not the most natural, or comfortable thing for anyone to do. However, it is really important, as it helps to reduce the chance of you catching Covid 19Covid-19 and also protects other members of our community. None of us can be sure if we have been exposed to Covid, so wearing a mask protects others. You can be infectious and spread Covid-19 before you develop any symptoms. Although vaccinated people are much less infectious, they can still spread Covid-19 so it is important to wear a face mask even after you’ve been vaccinated.

Covid-19 is spread by small droplets in the air and when a person is coughing and sneezing, these small droplets can spread far.  This is why it is recommended to keep two meters away from other people and wear your mask correctly.  Advice on the safe wearing, disposal and washing of reusable face coverings is on the Ministry of Health site health.govt.nz 

All exposure sites are listed on The Ministry of Health website and the Contact tracing locations of interest. 

Getting vaccinated will significantly reduce symptoms if you get exposed to Covid

Finally, the very best thing all of us can do to get back to seeing our loved ones and friends and preventing lockdowns in the future is to get vaccinated. All of us in New Zealand over the age of 12 are now eligible for a FREE vaccination. Don’t wait, book an appointment to be vaccinated at our branch in Ormiston Medical through the National Booking system  

As always, we are here to help you with your health questions. Call us or use the patient portal to reorder your regular prescriptions and don’t put off getting support for other aspects of your health. If you need a consultation with our doctors this is possible with a phone or video consultation, or you can be seen in the clinic if needed.  Keep up the good work. Together we will get to the end of this outbreak. 

Dr Daniel Calder is Group Clinical Director at Botany Junction Medical.

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