By Simon Clarke | Posted: Tuesday August 29, 2017
Important information to keep your child and other children safe and healthy.
Dunedin is experiencing a mumps outbreak. Mumps is a viral illness that spreads easily and cannot be treated.
The best protection against mumps is the MMR vaccine. This is usually given at 15 months and 4 years of age. Please check that your child is up to date with this and other vaccinations by contacting your GP. Vaccination is free for all children in New Zealand, regardless of immigration status.
Please ensure the school has up to date information on your child’s vaccination status. Evidence of vaccination is required so the school can keep their immunisation register up to date. Evidence can be your child’s WellChild/Tamariki Ora book, or a letter from your GP.
In the event that we have a child with confirmed mumps at our school, we will work with the Public Health Nurses. Children who have been in contact with the person with mumps will have their vaccination status checked. Any child who has not had their MMR vaccinations, or who does not catch up with their MMR vaccinations immediately after exposure, will be asked to stay at home for 2 – 3 weeks.