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Doctors have warned of a resurgence of lethal diseases after figures were released showing more than 20 per cent of New Zealand babies miss out on essential vaccinations by five months of age.
The Health Ministry said 95 per cent of children should be vaccinated, but the first figures from the new National Immunisation Register show that while 87 per cent of babies get their first six-week jab, and 84 per cent their second at three months, by five months only 78 per cent are vaccinated.
The Press reported that doctors warned that if immunisations rates got too low, then a range of childhood diseases, including whooping cough and measles, could become more prevalent.
Immunisation Advisory Centre director Dr Nikki Turner told the newspaper the rates were "extremely concerning if they are correct".
She said a national survey last year showed rates of nearly 90 per cent for the third injection.
Rates above 90 per cent were essential to control diseases such as measles, which can lead to pneumonia and permanent brain damage, and whooping cough, she said.
- NZPA
