Well Child clinic a one-stop shop

Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti has opened a drop-in childhood immunisation clinic at 295 Palmerston Road, formerly the Covid-19 Vaccination Centre. Staff and nurses are ready to help whānau with their children’s vaccinations, and can also give pregnant women flu and HPV vaccinations. Picture supplied

A central city drop-in immunisation clinic is making it easier for parents and caregivers to catch up on their children’s immunisations.

Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti’s Well Child Service has opened a drop-in immunisation clinic at 295 Palmerston Road.

The building was previously a centre for Covid-19 vaccinations.

Childhood vaccinations against 13 preventable diseases are free for children at specific times throughout their lives.

As well as all the scheduled childhood vaccinations, the clinic nurses are also offering hapū māmā  influenza and HPV vaccinations, as well as Boostrix, for protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough.

Immunisation is the best line of defence for many preventable diseases, yet recent figures show that Tairāwhiti has the lowest immunisation rate for children at eight months, two years, and five years.

Public health nurse Vanessa Robertson says the no-appointment one-location vaccination clinic is making it easier for parents.

“We understand that taking your kids to the doctor can be a challenge.

“By opening this drop-in immunisation clinic, parents can come in whenever suits, get the vaccinations they need, and set their children up for a healthy future.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t know what vaccinations you or your children qualify for, or where you are up to on the schedule.

“Our nurses will help you create a catch-up plan.

“Getting immunised can help prevent serious complications and unnecessary hospital admissions.”

Drop in to the Well Child Clinic, 295 Palmerston Rd, any time on weekdays from 9am-4pm and Saturday 10am-2pm.

Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters are not available at the clinic.