Vaccination scheme needs more nurses

1.00pm

The search for nurses to administer the meningococcal B vaccine programme has begun.

The Government has launched a $200 million national vaccination programme targeting more than a million New Zealanders.

It is estimated that nationally, about 30,000 school-aged children will be eligible for the programme.

Twenty-three fulltime nurses and a large number of part-time nurses are needed to vaccinate 45,000 Northlanders aged from six months to 20 years, project manager Jacqui Westren said today.

Northland is a high risk area for meningococcal disease with more than 300 reported cases and 12 deaths.

The Government considers vaccination the most effective way to combat the epidemic.

The campaign is the largest mass vaccination programme ever in New Zealand.

It was started in Counties/Manukau last month and will be implemented progressively throughout the country.

Northland is the second region to benefit from the vaccination strategy.

The Northland campaign begins with the under fives in November and it is estimated 11,000 children will be eligible for vaccination.

The pre-school part of the programme is expected to start late November this year and run through to May next year, Ms Westren said.

"There will be full or part-time work available for up to 12 months from November this year and we are very hopeful that nurses will come forward and help us make this vital project work," Ms Westren said.

"Vaccinator training will be provided to any nurses who may perhaps be working part-time or wish to return to the workforce."

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)