First meningococcal vaccination completed

1.00pm

Nine-month-old Rayvin Ah Him has become the first New Zealand child to be immunised against meningococcal B disease.

The baby received his vaccination at the Mangere Family Centre this morning, with Prime Minister Helen Clark and Health Minister Annette King watching over proceedings.

His mother Noreen Ah Him says that while it was a little sad to see him so upset, it is a relief to have him protected.

She says she has always been scared he may contract meningococcal B, especially as it is hard to spot the symptoms.

Ms Ah Him says today's vaccination is just another step towards making sure her son does not get the disease.

Nurse Sharee Dickinson, who administered the vaccination, says staff will be very busy over the next few weeks making sure all the children under threat get their shots and follow-up boosters.

During the next three weeks, 47 clinics in South Auckland will work towards immunising 3000 children.

- Newstalk ZB