Vaccination claims ‘unhelpful’ says DHB

The Northland DHB has deplored “incorrect, harmful” information about vaccination consent that is being distributed by an anti-vaccination group on social media.

“The claim that a child was vaccinated without consent has been investigated, and we can confirm that every child who has been vaccinated against the deadly meningococcal disease has been done so with signed consent,” Medical Officer of Health Dr Jose Ortega Benito said.

Consent was required by law for all vaccinations. Those over the age of 16 could consent for themselves.

“While we respect that some people have independent views on vaccination, scaremongering and misleading information in our communities is extremely unhelpful,” Dr Benito said. “All parents, caregivers and young people make an informed decision about protecting their children or themselves, and their decision should be respected.”

He urged the parents and caregivers of children who had not yet been vaccinated against meningococcal disease to do so “while you still can”.