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Dannevirke and Pahiatua families involved in the hugely successful Meningococcal B immunisation programme are being congratulated - the vaccine is working, says Labour Government MP Georgina Beyer.
New Zealand's three millionth dose of the vaccine was delivered this week just as new Health Ministry data confirmed that rates of the deadly Meningococcal B epidemic are dramatically reducing.
Some 38,000 school students covered by the Mid Central District Health Board have had all three doses of the vaccine since the immunisation programme started in this area in April 2005.
"The mass-immunisation campaign has been one of the boldest steps in our Labour-led Government's work for New Zealand families," said Ms Beyer.
Health Minister Pete Hodgson has also unveiled further government funding of $22 million in Budget 2006 to extend the immunisation programme, including for all newborns and vaccination of under-fives through to 2009.
Ms Beyer welcomed the news that cases of the disease were reducing.
"I know the decision to vaccinate has not been easy for some families, but it is about giving the best protection available and I commend parents who have chosen full immunisation for their children."
Health Ministry figures show that of the 48,614 school students in the Mid Central DHB area, 40,865 began the MeNZB™ programme and 37,736 have now completed it - a huge 78 percent of the student population.
"The nationwide school-based campaign involved 2600 schools, 750,000 students and the active co-operation of tens of thousands of staff members. It's been particularly effective for Māori, who are three times more likely than non-Māori to contract Meningococcal B," said Ms Beyer.
In 2003, the year before the start of campaign, there were 189 cases of epidemic strain meningococcal disease in under 20 year olds. This dropped to 82 cases last year - a 57 percent reduction.
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