Abstract:
This study reviewed 2005 data from South Auckland schools, to find out how many children actually received the routine tetanus and polio immunisation, recommended for all NZ children at age 11. This vaccine is free and delivered in schools to all Year 7 students. Understanding vaccination rates in this age group is important because the new cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine will also be given to adolescents. The study found that coverage was lower than expected, with large differences between ethnic groups. Overall, 48% of Māori and 56% of non-Māori in Year 7 were received this immunisation in school. Assuming that parents who stated their child had already received these vaccinations were all correct, the overall coverage in this population for the recommended Year 7 tetanus and polio vaccination is 53% for Māori and 71% for non-Māori.