A new database set to improve the collection of immunisation data on children and young people is under way in Hawke's Bay. The National Immunisation Register (NIR) is vital to the meningococcal B immunisation programme which will begin in Hawke's Bay next April. Last week the number of children vaccinated reached the100,000 mark since the meningitis programme started in July in Counties-Manukau. A further 108,424 have also been given their second dose. The NIR will ensure a 'seamless immunisation service for health care providers and parents,' NIR manager Jane Wicks said. "It will aid in ensuring that New Zealand's children and young people receive the right immunisations at the right time." Due to a system loophole, some children received repeat doses after completion of the vaccination. However the NIR would prevent this from happening. In July the country's largest immunisation programme of 1.15 million young people began in South Auckland.
