Aotearoa is at very high risk of a measles outbreak. Of all diseases, measles is one of the most dangerous and contagious. Get the latest information about locations where you may be at risk, and how to protect yourself. Measles: Locations of interest

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Immunisation for Children

Protecting Our Tamariki: The Importance of Childhood Immunisations

As a parent, you want the best for your child. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your tamariki’s health is through immunisation. Vaccines are a powerful tool in preventing serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, offering protection that extends beyond individual children to the entire community.

Why Immunise?

Immunisation is one of the most significant public health achievements of the past century. After access to clean water, it’s the most effective health intervention for saving lives worldwide. Here’s why immunising your child is so important:

Disease Prevention: Vaccines protect against serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough, and polio.

Community Protection: High immunisation rates create ‘herd immunity’, protecting those who can’t be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

Long-term Health Benefits: Immunisation can prevent long-term health issues and disabilities caused by vaccine-preventable diseases.

The New Zealand Immunisation Schedule

In Aotearoa New Zealand, a comprehensive immunisation schedule is available free of charge for all babies, children, and young people. This schedule is carefully designed to provide optimal protection at the most appropriate ages.

Immunisations begin at 6 weeks of age and continue through childhood and adolescence. These vaccines protect against a range of diseases including diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, and many others. Please call us if you are unsure of whether your child is up to date with their immunisations.

Measles Immunisation

Safety and Effectiveness

Modern vaccines have excellent safety records. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. Every vaccine available in New Zealand has been thoroughly assessed for safety and effectiveness, both within New Zealand and overseas.

It is important to remember that children are much more likely to be harmed by vaccine-preventable diseases than by the vaccines themselves.

What If I Have Concerns?

It is natural to have questions about your child’s health. If you have any concerns or queries about immunisation, we encourage you to:

  • Speak with one of our GPs or Nurses
  • Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 (available 24/7)
  • Visit the Healthify website for comprehensive, reliable information

 Immunisation is a safe, effective way to protect your tamariki and contribute to the health of our community. By following the recommended immunisation schedule, you are giving your child the best possible start in life.

For more information on childhood immunisations, visit:

Based on the National Immunisation Schedule, this handy tool shows what immunisations your child needs from 6 weeks to 13 years, and the dates due. 

Work-Life Balance

Managing Work-Life Balance in 2024

Finding a work-life balance in the fast-paced world of 2024 remains an ongoing challenge for many of us. You might be finding it difficult to carve out quality time with family and friends, or those extra gym sessions have been few and far between. Fortunately, our Health Improvement Practitioner, Claire Bidois, is here to provide you with her top tips for managing work-life balance through boosting your mental health and preventing burnout.

Understanding why it is important to maintain a work-life balance

Sarah, a dedicated Salesperson, was no stranger to the struggles of work-life balance. Sarah’s recent promotion at work has meant that she has had to do extra hours at work to stay on top of her tasks.

“I was so excited when I received this promotion! However, I didn’t expect it to affect my social life and health so much. Not being able to work out or catch up with friends has started to take a toll on me, as I really value my health and friendships.”

Sarah’s case is not unusual. It can be so easy to get caught up with our careers that we forget to prioritise the things we value in our lives. That’s not to say that our careers aren’t important. However, it’s imperative that we take time for our hobbies and relationships outside of work.

Maintaining a work-life balance offers a range of advantages, each contributing to a specific area of your wellness. It plays a pivotal role in enhancing our physical and mental health. By giving ourselves time for self-care, relaxing, unwinding, and focusing on our hobbies outside of work, we can boost our happiness in our personal lives as well as improve our performance at the workplace.

Striking the right balance between work and our personal life allows us to prevent burnout that can be caused by long hours and chronic stress. Furthermore, it means we can come into the workplace refreshed and rejuvenated. Therefore fostering a more productive and innovative work environment. Recent studies have even shown that this leads to higher job satisfaction in the long run.

Key strategies for finding work-life balance

Work-life balance looks different for everyone. We all have different hobbies and values that dictate what we like to do in our spare time. However, if you are struggling with your mental health, then you can try these methods to maintain a work-life balance;

  • Exercise
    • Going to the gym is always a good start. We also recommend that you try to workout outside, as studies have shown that being in nature improves our mood and overall mental health.
  • Social connection
    • Meet up with friends or hang out with family. It’s so important to make plans with your friends and family, even if it’s a while away, but more on that later.
  • Limit Gaming & Social Media
    • We understand this can be a hard one, as may be a hobby for some people. There is definitely a time and place for unwinding by scrolling social media or gaming. However, as fun as these can be, it is important that when we aren’t at work, we don’t spend all of our time at home scrolling social media or gaming.
  • Try learning something new
    • It’s ingrained in us as humans to get a kick out of learning a new activity or picking up a new hobby. It’s so valuable to our mental health to expand our minds by learning something new.
  • Sleep
    • Sleep is an incredibly important factor in mental wellbeing. Adults generally need around 7-8 hours of sleep to feel rested. If you’re a teenager, then aim for 9-10 hours.
Maintain Work-Life Balance

Potential obstacles and how to maintain long-term balance

Give Yourself Something to Look Forward to by Making Plans:

Make plans to look forward to. It’s essential to have something on the horizon to anticipate. Don’t wait; give yourself something to look forward to this weekend.

Whether it’s to hang out with friends, plan a day trip, a hike, or, best of all, to plan a holiday. It could be a week away in another country, or simply taking an extra day or two off during the upcoming long weekend; it’s vital to schedule some time away for relaxation and anticipation. Ensure you’re planning activities and holidays, as it’s nice to look forward to having something on.

Learn to Say No:

This doesn’t mean you have to say ‘no’ to everything. However, it’s important to prioritise yourself and avoid overcommitting. While it may seem like a good idea at the time, saying yes to too many activities can leave you with no time to unwind or pursue your hobbies.

The key is not to overextend yourself. Avoid signing up for or getting involved in too many things. It’s crucial to say ‘no’ occasionally to allow for downtime and relaxation. Maintaining a healthy life balance is essential. Decent downtime on a Sunday afternoon, for example, can be a good way to unwind. Furthermore, self-care is essential. Self-care doesn’t always involve running a bath and relaxing (although that’s not a bad option); sometimes, it can be as simple as sitting at home, watching TV, or relaxing with a good book.

No Screentime:

When hanging out with friends, you could try a no-phones policy.

To truly unwind and be fully present when spending time with friends and family, implement a “no phones policy.” This allows everyone to genuinely connect and live in the moment instead of getting caught up in the virtual world of social media.

Talk to a Health Improvement Practitioner

At Botany Junction Medical, we are so fortunate to have health coaches and health improvement practitioners available who are able to support you with the struggles you may have. Contact our team now to find out more.

As we navigate the complexities of work and life in 2024, the importance of balance can’t be overstated. It’s the key to maintaining our physical and mental health, as well as preventing burnout and sustaining your professional relationships. By prioritising yourself, managing your time wisely, and making plans to look forward to, you pave the way for a more balanced and fulfilling life, both at work and at home

Minor Surgery: Quick and Effective Solutions for your Health

Minor surgery offers quick and effective diagnosis, treatment and recovery for your medical condition. With ample experience in minor surgery, our fantastic GP, Dr Ahmed Kareem, sheds light on all things minor surgery, from mole removal and ingrown toenails to steroid injections and skin tag removal!

Understanding Minor Surgery

Minor surgery refers to surgery that is typically less complex, less invasive, and generally has a lower risk of complications compared to major surgeries. 

These procedures are usually done with local anaesthesia and don’t require a hospital admission or overnight stay. Some GPs are trained in performing minor surgery and can offer this as a convenient service to patients. 

Timely access to minor surgery allows us to take swift and targeted action to achieve great outcomes with minimal disruption to your day-to-day life. 

Common Minor Procedures

At Botany Junction Medical, we are fortunate enough to have specialist GPs that offer a range of services, including:

Mole/Skin tag removal

Ingrown toenail surgery

  • Sometimes, your toenail can grow into the skin around it. This can cause pain or infection. Often in the big toe, the most common cause is due to cutting your toenails incorrectly or from pressure from tight shoes. A simple surgical procedure can remove the pain and infection of the ingrown toenail.

Long-term contraception

  • Long-term contraception methods, such as Mirena or IUD insertions, are effective and practical forms of birth control. This is often a preferred method of birth control for women who don’t want to take the birth control pill or get very heavy periods.

Wart treatment

  • Although often harmless, warts can be painful and bothersome in certain areas of the body, such as feet and genitals. Most warts can be easily treated by freezing the wart off with liquid nitrogen.

Steroid Injection

  • Steroid is an anti-inflammatory medicine that is used to treat a range of conditions, such as joint pain, arthritis, or inflammatory bowel disease. When injected into a joint or muscle, steroids inflammation and swelling in the nearby area. This can relieve pain and stiffness.
Mole Removal

Advantages of getting Minor Surgery at your GP Clinic

As previously mentioned, minor surgery is usually a quick and simple procedure that won’t take too much time out of your day. But the benefits don’t stop there, you’ll find minor surgery;

  • Much less invasive than other surgeries due to the nature of the surgery being in such a small and targeted area.
  • To have small insertions with less scarring.
  • Quicker recovery time from your surgery.
  • You can expect a low risk of complications due to such small insertions into the skin.

Preparation and Recovery

Despite the simple and quick manner of the surgery itself, there are a couple of things that need to happen before and after the surgery to ensure that everything goes well.

Firstly, when you see your GP for the initial consultation, don’t expect that your surgery will be completed straight away. Instead, you will have a 15-minute consultation so the GP can get familiar with your condition and recommend the most appropriate next steps. In some instances, surgery may be unnecessary. If that’s the case, you may be provided with medication that will support your health needs instead. Our GPs will also advise you if your condition would be more suitable for treatment by another specialist. 

As with any surgery, there are risks involved. If you are aware of any conditions, allergy to an aesthetic or needle phobia, please let your GP know straight away.

We will provide you with post-operation instructions and advice. Good wound care reduces the risk of post-operation infections. We’ll let you know when you should attend for a routine wound review, however if you have any concerns regarding bleeding or possible wound infections, please contact us to discuss.

In summary, minor surgery is a quick and effective solution for various medical conditions that might otherwise trouble you in your day-to-day life. Patients can rely on the expertise of Dr Carlos Lam Yang at Botany Junction Medical to ensure high-quality healthcare.

Call us to book your minor surgery now!

Breast Cancer Self Screening

Prioritising Breast Health: Cancer Awareness & Self-Screening for Prevention

Breast cancer, much like all forms of cancer, can often go unnoticed and untreated for a long time if proactive action is not taken. With a keen interest and expert knowledge of women’s health, Dr Jayani Kannangara has shared her top tips for prioritising your breast health.

An Unwelcome Intruder

Breast cancer is like a stealthy intruder that sneaks into the house of your body. Just as an unwelcome guest can enter your home unnoticed, breast cancer can silently develop within your breast tissue. Like a skilled infiltrator, it spreads its presence without raising any immediate alarms. 

Developing as a tumour and affecting 1 in 9 New Zealand women at some point in their lifetime, breast cancer comes in a few different forms:

  1. Benign (non-cancerous)
  2. Malignant (cancerous) 

Of the malignant forms of breast cancer, there are a few different types that require different treatments. This includes;

  • Pre Invasive Breast Cancer
  • Invasive Breast Cancer

Pre-invasive breast cancer 

Also known as DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) or LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ), isn’t actually breast cancer… yet. However, it can develop into breast cancer if it is left untreated. It’s important to speak with your GP for a proper diagnosis if you notice an unusual lump or growth.

Invasive breast cancer

Invasive breast cancer spreads from the milk ducts or the lobules of the breast into the breast tissue. Often, invasive breast cancer can sometimes be hard to identify. In which case, you may not even realise that it’s there, so it’s best practice to maintain regular Mammograms.

Reducing your Risk of Breast Cancer

Unfortunately, there is not yet an absolutely proven way to prevent breast cancer. However, you can still make proactive lifestyle choices to decrease your risk of developing breast cancer. We can be sure that there are several basic lifestyle-based choices you can make to decrease your chance of developing breast cancer, including:

  • Regular Physical activity
  • Reducing Alcohol consumption
  • Maintaining Healthy Sleep patterns

There are certain risk factors that are associated with breast cancer that we cannot control, including age and genetics. So it’s important to take action on the ones you can control. Regular physical activity such as brisk walking, cycling, or even dancing can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of breast cancer. Limiting alcohol consumption not only reduces your risk of breast cancer but also has many positive effects on your overall health. Finally, your should try to maintain a regular sleep schedule. This includes going to bed and waking up at the same time. As well as maintaining between 7-8 hours of sleep too. 

checking for breast cancer

Time to investigate! 

Breast cancer self-screening is like being the detective of your own health. Just as a skilled detective diligently investigates every clue and follows leads to solve a case, you take on the role of a health detective when you’re checking for breast cancer. Armed with knowledge and awareness, you can carefully examine your breasts, searching for any unusual changes or signs that may indicate a potential health concern. Just like a detective’s keen eye spots even the tiniest details that might go unnoticed by others, your vigilant self-screening allows you to detect any abnormalities at their earliest stages. By taking on this detective role, you become the lead figure in your own health journey, actively working towards the best possible outcome and ensuring that your breast health remains a top priority.

Try following these steps once a month to perform a breast cancer self-screening: 

  1. stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders square and hands on your hips. Keep an eye out for any unusual size, shape or colour, including a dimpling of the skin or unusual soreness or swelling.
  2. Now raise your arms up in the air and check for the same symptoms.
  3. Next, lie down. Using your left hand, carefully feel your right breast, and vice versa for your right breast. Move your fingers in a circular motion, from cleavage to armpit then towards the stomach, and see if you notice any unusual bumps. 
  4. Lastly, repeat the same action whilst standing or sitting.
self screening checklist

When should I contact my GP?

If you do notice something a little out of the ordinary when completing one of your regular self-screening – there is no reason to panic. However, we do encourage swift action. Contact your GP to discuss what is going on. Your GP can effectively assess the situation, provide guidance and determine whether or not further diagnostics tests are necessary. 

It’s important to note that not every breast lump is cancerous. However, it is better to err on the side of caution. 

Do I need a Mammogram if I’m already Self-Screening?

Did you know women have a 95% chance of surviving breast cancer for five years or longer if the cancer is detected by a mammogram? Better yet, in New Zealand women aged between 45 to 69 years can get a free mammogram every 2 years! 

Monthly self-screening, alongside bi-yearly mammograms, ensures you’re doing your best to protect your breasts. A mammogram is a fairly simple process. Your breasts will be gently compressed between two glass slides to obtain clear and detailed images. The glass slides produce specialized X-ray images of the breasts that can detect abnormalities, such as lumps that might not be noticeable when performing self-screening. 

Just as a vigilant homeowner keeps an eye out for any signs of an intruder, it’s important for us to be aware and proactive about our breast health. Regular check-ups, screenings, and self-examinations act as the security system that helps us detect and intercept breast cancer in its early stages. By being proactive and vigilant, we can catch the intruder early. This ensures a better chance at successful treatment and ultimately protects our bodies. Remember, early detection is our best defence against this stealthy foe. 

long-term contraception

Is long-term contraception right for you?

Finding the birth control option that suits you best can take time. Women often first consider the pill but long-term contraception (LARC) such as an Intra Uterine Device (IUD) or the Jadelle implant are great options. In this article, we explain why Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) are worth considering. 

What is long-acting reversible contraception? (and why it might it suit you)

Long-acting reversible contraception, or LARC, is a very effective, practical and convenient form of birth control.  When Jade, 25, came to see me, she summed up one of the frustrations of having to take a daily contraceptive pill: “After a couple of years on the pill, I became aware that having to remember to take the pill everyday wasn’t working for me. Working shifts, it just wasn’t that easy to take it at the same time each day. So, I was getting a bit anxious at the end of some cycles that I wasn’t fully protected.” 

In Jade’s case, the decision to change to a LARC was straightforward. “Because my IUD releases the hormones automatically, I felt a real sense of freedom to get on with my day-to-day life. Remembering to take birth control pills became a thing of the past, and I felt more relaxed being intimate with my partner ,” said Jade.

Getting started on your research of whether a LARC is right for you requires first knowing what options are on the market and which might best suit you.

 There are a few different forms of long-term contraception, including:

  • Jadelle implants
  • Hormonal intrauterine device (Mirena)
  • Copper intrauterine device

Jadelle Implant

Did you know the Jadelle is placed in your arm? Many women love that this isn’t a traditional uterine implant.
  • ‘The rods,’ as commonly referred to, tends to be effective for approximately 3-5 years. 
  • The Jadelle Implant is constructed of two small rods, roughly the size of a needle. 
  • When the rod is implanted, it will be placed just under the skin of the bicep on your arm. 
  • Once inside your arm, a hormone called progestogen will slowly be released, stopping you from getting pregnant.  

Hormonal IUD

  • Hormonal IUDs is a miniature t-shaped object that your doctor will insert into your uterus. 
  • Like the Jadelle implant, the hormonal IUD contains a progestogen hormone. 
  • In most instances, after a few months have passed, your periods will lessen or disappear due to the insertion of the Hormonal IUD. 
  • Therefore, this may be your best option if you get heavy or painful periods. 

Copper IUD

  • Copper IUDs look and feel the same as hormonal IUDs. 
  • The only exception is that the Copper IUD does not contain any hormones. Hence, this may be a good option if you wish to steer clear of hormones.
  • By preventing the sperm from getting to the egg, a Copper IUD is extremely effective.

Why LARCs might be best for you.

There are many reasons why I end up having conversations with women about LARCs. It all depends on their life stage and where they are at in their family planning. But IUDs can also be helpful for people who have experienced heavy or painful periods. It’s not just about birth control.

Nonetheless, long-acting reversible contraception is the most effective form of birth control, with a 99% effectiveness against pregnancy. This means that only 1 in every 100 women will get pregnant every year. 

And of course, LARCs are very useful if you find yourself forgetting to take your birth control pill. When you receive long-term contraception, whether it be the Jadelle implant or an IUD, you can completely forget about it for the next few years. You will not need to stress about remembering to take a pill every day. Moreover, if you receive your long-acting reversible contraception from Botany Junction Medical, we will contact you when it is time to get it removed or replaced. Thus you do not need to worry about remembering it yourself. 

But the feedback most women give is that they love having options that have less estrogen than traditional Pill based contraception.

“Funnily enough, after about six months of having a Mirena IUD, I found I was feeling a bit calmer. My partner says I seem less anxious when I’m nearing my period. But also, I have a much lighter flow which is a real bonus”, says Jade.

I’d be remiss not to mention that despite the freedom LARCs can offer you, they do not protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). So, if you aren’t in a monogamous relationship, you’ll still need to use a condom when having sexual intercourse.

How do I decide which option is best for me?

We have made the process for LARC discussions an easy and accessible option for all our patients. To do so, all you have to do is call our reception team or leave a message with our nurses, informing them you would like an appointment to discuss long-term contraception. A trained nurse from our Women’s Health Clinic will contact you back within a few days to arrange an initial appointment to discuss the best option for you, then we will book a suitable time for the insertion.

When deciding the most suitable LARC for you, we will take into consideration the following:

  • Your age
  • Medical history
  • Personal preference

Since every woman is different, it is essential for us to have a good understanding of your medical history. This allows us to make an informed decision about which option will be the safest and most effective for you. For this reason, we recommend that you book with us to have this assessment, as we are familiar with your medical history. This whole process is confidential, and records will not be shared with your family members. 

Please note that it is important that you are not pregnant when we insert the LARC. We ask that you use an alternate source of contraception e.g. condoms, for a period of time prior to the procedure and will discuss this with you at your initial appointment.

What does it feel like getting a Jadelle or IUD implant? (and why it’s called the Fit and forget contraception!)

We will inform you of the process of insertion when we have agreed on the best option for you. In most instances, these are quick and easy procedures that will only take a few minutes in your day. It is completely normal for you to experience some pain whilst having your Jadelle Implant or IUD inserted. We will give you medication to help with the pain. It is not uncommon to feel a bit uncomfortable after the procedure, so we recommend that you take it easy for the rest of the day.

“Having my Mirena IUD fit was pretty fast, but I needed the quiet afternoon I’d been advised to set aside. That’s mainly because I had some spotting and some cramping. But, from then on in, my periods have been so easy, it was totally worth it.” says Jade.

Long-acting reversible contraception is often called the ‘fit & forget’ method, as you can forget about it just after your GP has completed the insertion. Roughly 3-5 years later, depending on the long-term contraceptive you were given, your GP will contact you about booking an appointment to remove or replace your long-term contraception. In the meantime, we encourage you to get a cervical smear if you’re over the age of 25 to ensure your cervical health. 

At Botany Junction Medical, we have a select number of staff members who’re credentialled for the insertion and removal of long-term contraception that you can book an appointment with:

We welcome non-enrolled patients to access our Women’s Health Clinic to discuss long-term contraception options.

Childhood Vaccinations

How to protect your whānau from illness this winter

We wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve missed some of your routine immunisations. Especially on the back of the various Covid Vaccines and boosters. However, winter is just around the corner. Consequently, serious illnesses such as Influenza (Flu), Meningitis, Measles and Whooping Cough are lurking around. Fortunately, many of you are eligible for free immunisations. Read below as Dr Daniel Calder explains why you need to be immunised and who is eligible for free immunisations. 

Flu Vaccines

The flu predominantly affects people in the winter. As a virus, it is constantly changing. Therefore, a new influenza vaccine, or ‘flu jab’, is developed every year. For this reason, we recommend that you get a flu jab every year to keep up with the ever-changing virus. Like the Covid vaccine, influenza immunisations help reduce the risk of getting seriously sick if you’re exposed to the Flu. Common flu symptoms include;  

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Shortness of breath
  • Upset stomach 
  • Muscle aches

Similar to other diseases, some people are more at risk of getting seriously ill than others. Thankfully, we offer free immunisations for those that meet the funding criteria:

  • All people 65 years of age and over.
  • Māori and Pacific people aged 55 to 64 years.
  • People under 65 years of age who have certain conditions/diseases.
  • People who are in any trimester of pregnancy.
  • Children 6 months to 12 years of age.

Meningitis Vaccines

Meningococcal disease is a severe and potentially fatal infection. It traditionally affects the spinal cord and brain lining. Consequently, it can have long-term effects, such as brain damage and hearing loss. Common symptoms include:

  • Stiff neck
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Vomiting 
  • Light sensitivity
  • Joint pain and even convulsive fits

Similar to the flu vaccine, getting vaccinated reduces the risk of getting meningococcal disease. Furthermore, it is vitally important that you and your children are vaccinated against Meningococcal B. Consequently, anyone who has had Meningococcal B opens themselves up to the long-term effects. 

Thankfully, Bexsero is available on the childhood National Immunisation Programme for;

  • Babies at three months, five months, and 12 months old.
  • All tamariki under five years old that have not had three doses. Free until 31 August 2025.

Mengingoccal B spreads quickly through shared items and physical touch. In fact, individuals who live in close quarters, such as a hostel, halls of residence or prison, are at a much higher risk of contracting the disease. Therefore, you will need two different vaccines if you’re aged 13 to 25 years;

  • One dose of the MenQuadfi® (A, C,W,Y) vaccine.
  • Two doses of the Bexsero (B) vaccine. The second dose can be given eight weeks after the first dose.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

MMR vaccines protect you from three serious infections known as Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Recently, NZ had its first confirmed case of measles since the outbreak in 2019 in Auckland on the 13th of February, 2023. Fortunately, MMR has not continued to spread through NZ at an alarming rate. However, many New Zealanders aged 15 to 29 years old missed the second dose of the MMR vaccine. As a result of changes in the MMR schedule in 2001. For this reason, many young adults only got one dose of the MMR vaccine. One dose is only 85% effective, whereas two doses are 99% effective. 

In short, we encourage all 15 to 29-year-olds to come in for a free MMR immunisation. 

Whooping Cough

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious infection that affects your respiratory system. In most instances, it spreads quickly through coughing and sneezing. The symptoms begin relatively mild, with a runny nose and sneezing. Later, this develops into a cough that includes a high-pitched whooping when the person breathes in.

From September 1st 2022, The Boostrix vaccine is funded for individuals meeting the following eligibility criteria:

  • A single dose for pregnant women in pregnancy’s second or third trimester.
  • Courses of up to four doses are funded for children from ages seven to 18 years, inclusive of completing full primary immunisation.
  • Single dose of vaccination for patients aged from 65 years old.
  • A single dose for vaccinating patients aged 45 without four previous tetanus doses.
  • Vaccination of previously unimmunised or partially immunised patients.
  • Revaccination following immunosuppression.
  • Boosting patients with tetanus-prone wounds.

Covid-19

Eligibility has been expanded for additional boosters.

In fact, if you have completed a primary vaccination course, you will be eligible to get another booster. Regardless of the number of boosters you have already had. This includes individuals;

  •   aged 30 and over or
  •   at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

If you are eligible for this extra booster, it must be at least 6 months since your last COVID-19 booster or a positive COVID-19 test.

MMR Vaccination | Measles Mumps Rubella Vaccination

Calling 15 to 29-year-olds. Here’s how to protect yourself & whānau from measles

It’s possible you missed a Measles Mumps Rubella Vaccination if you’re between 15-29.  Dr Calder explains why checking you have full measles protection through vaccination is especially important.

The exciting news is that New Zealand’s borders are well and truly open. Meaning we have welcomed the world back into our beautiful country. Unfortunately, an unwelcome visitor has joined us. Measles.

Recently, this common viral disease has made its way around the world and landed in New Zealand. Most notably in Auckland on the 13th of February, 2023, when New Zealand had its first confirmed case of measles since the outbreak in 2019. 

Measles is highly infectious. Did you know it’s 8 times more contagious than Covid-19? But, more importantly, measles can cause severe illness and nasty complications in unvaccinated people.

Getting immunised is easy and extremely safe.

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Measles Mumps Rubella Vaccination programme for 15 to 29-year-olds

You may be wondering why there is an MMR immunisation programme targeting 15 to 29-year-olds?

If you think this is for one-year-old babies, you’re right. However, the fact is that a large number of tamariki missed out on getting MMR vaccinations, and this leaves them at serious risk of getting sick with measles, mumps or rubella.

There are several reasons for this. First, many young adults missed their second childhood MMR vaccination. That’s mainly because the MMR schedule was changed in 2001. Consequently, some children got only one dose. Two doses give 99% protection against measles and rubella and 85% protection against the mumps, so it’s essential to get two doses.

Another reason why many children did not get this particular vaccination as a child is because of vaccine hesitancy. In 1998 a British doctor published a paper in the Lancet suggesting a link between the MMR vaccination and autism. This claim was completely wrong, and since then, extensive research and large studies have proved his theory to be incorrect and fraudulent. As a result, the doctor was struck off and was no longer allowed to practice medicine.

Five excellent reasons to get an MMR vaccination

  • Firstly, young adults risk getting measles in an outbreak that spreads rapidly through universities or student accommodation. Measles can make you very sick and worse still; it can have some severe complications like pneumonia and inflammation of the brain.
  • Secondly, Kiwis love to travel. However, measles is a much more common disease overseas, and the last thing you want is to be ill when on your big OE. So the Ministry of Health also recommends that you get vaccinated against measles before travelling if you intend to go abroad. Getting yourself vaccinated before travel is not only to prevent you from becoming ill while away but also because of the possibility of bringing measles back to NZ when you return.
  • Moreover, as the name suggests, MMR vaccination protects you not only from measles but also from Mumps and Rubella. Mumps can be an unpleasant infection, and although it is usually mild, it can cause complications like hearing loss, meningitis and rarely infertility in males.
  • Most importantly, however, are the potential consequences of getting rubella during pregnancy. There are risks of miscarriage or stillbirth, or the baby could have congenital disabilities. These may include blindness, deafness, heart defects or brain damage.
  • Finally, vaccinating against measles helps protect your whānau and community. 

Safety and side effects of Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccination

The MMR vaccination is exceptionally safe. It has been used for many years and given safely to billions of people. Our experienced nurses are happy to answer any questions you may have.

It’s quick and easy to get your vaccine, which you can get as an injection into the muscle of your upper arm or the leg for babies.

Any side effects tend to be mild and most commonly include some discomfort, redness and swelling at the injection site. Occasionally you may have a high fever or develop a rash, which fades after a day or two.

If you are unsure if you have had MMR vaccinations in the past, it is safe to have more doses to protect you from these preventable diseases. It can take up to two weeks to become immune after the vaccination. However, if you are not immune and have been exposed to measles, having an MMR vaccination within 72 hours helps to limit the spread. 

Finally, it is safe to simultaneously have an MMR vaccination and a Covid-19 shot or booster.

If you want to read more about MMR vaccination, visit the Immunisation Advisory Centre.

Getting an MMR Vaccine is an excellent opportunity for young people to step up, manaaki and take responsibility for their preventative health care. It helps protect your whole whānau and our community from Measles, Mumps and Rubella. We look forward to booking your MMR jab at Botany Junction Medical soon.

Getting back to health in the new year

Getting Back to Health in the New Year

The new year period can be a busy and stressful time for the best of us. Many of us will be returning to our jobs with a mountain of work that we left behind in 2022. Fortunately, our fantastic Health Coaches have provided us with their best tips on getting back to health in the new year.

New Year Habits

Beginning back at work usually means new year pressure in your work life, notably longer hours and less time to do the things you enjoy. It is not unusual for you to feel like you aren’t coping with the New Year pressure, or struggling to get back to health in the new year. Moving back into your regular schedule can be very difficult after being away for a few weeks. However, creating strong new year habits is one of the best ways to get back into the swing of things. Daily habits and allocated time to focus on yourself are very important in helping to maintain a work-life balance. Our health coaches recommend the following new year habits:

  • Physical activity. Especially outside in natural light. Studies show exercising outside can positively effect cortisol, heart rate and lower blood pressure.
  • Return to regular sleep patterns – go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to help regulate the body clock. 
  • Relaxing activities and hobbies that you enjoy.
  • Reduce alcohol, even if its just 2 weeks of no alcohol
  • Social Interactions 

Setting boundaries around Work-Life Balance

Maintaining a work-life balance is one of the more difficult parts of coping with the new year. An important part of countering this issue is to create boundaries. Knowing when to say no, will help you to manage your work-life balance and new year pressure. Understandably, you still need to meet the needs of your job. However, allocating time away from your phone and workplace to; enjoy your hobbies, relax, exercise or hang out with friends and family will allow you to incorporate your new year habits and even meet some of those new year resolutions. 

Practising Mindfulness is about being present in the moment

Another way to assist in coping with the new year pressure is mindfulness or focused breathing. To kickstart good breathing practice, check out some of these instructional videos from breathing expert, James Nestor.  Self-awareness practices or physical activity are not for everyone. Fortunately, there are some quick tricks to help get back to health in the new year. When you’re feeling overwhelmed with new year pressure, and you need a quick fix, there is a simple technique our health coaches recommend to help bring you back to the present. At any given time, you can name in order:

  • 5 things you can see
  • 4 things you can touch
  • 3 things you can hear
  • 2 things you can smell
  • 1 thing you can taste

Taking a moment to name the sensations that are around you will allow you to bring yourself back to the present and focus on the task at hand. Whilst also lessening the stress or anxiety you may be feeling at that moment. 

Incorporating these activities is obviously easier said than done. Therefore, if you are struggling to figure out where to start or require further advice – meet with a health coach or health improvement practitioner. Book an appointment online now through the patient portal

Covid in Kids | Caring for tamariki with Covid-19

Caring for tamariki with Covid-19

Sound medical advice for children with Covid from Botany Junction Medical. Find out about signs of an unwell child with Covid through to caring for them here.

As winter takes hold, more of us are getting respiratory infections, including Covid-19. Unsurprisingly, our school and kindy age kids are at risk too. We’re seeing lots of cases of Covid in kids. Naturally, parents get worried when kids get sick. Rest assured, you can do simple things that really help when caring for tamariki with Covid at home.

First and foremost, if little ones are at all unwell, keep them home from school or daycare to prevent spreading sickness to others.

Keep up hygiene measures like frequent hand washing or use of hand sanitiser to reduce the spread between household members.

Covid -19 symptoms in children

Confusingly, lots of respiratory illnesses have similar symptoms, but the most common ones for Covid-19 in children are:

  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Sore or scratchy throat
  • Headache or sore tummy
  • Feeling tired
  • Fever
  • Aching muscles
  • Upset tummy, Diarrhoea

If you think your tamariki may have Covid-19, do a Rapid Antigen Test, as this helps you know what you are treating. Also, remember to report the result on My Covid Record | Ministry of Health NZ.

Because by registering, you will receive the information and help you may need to care for your whānau at this time.

Caring for tamariki with Covid-19

Be reassured that although you may feel stressed about a Covid-19 positive result, looking after your child safely at home is likely to be similar to times they’ve had other viral illnesses.

Five ways to help you care for Covid positive tamariki at home

1: Keep a record: For a start, keep a record of your child’s symptoms and watch for changes in their condition. Record their temperature, how much they drink and when they pass water. Another tip is to write down the times you give paracetamol or ibuprofen.This will help you ensure you are giving safe dosages.

2: Drink and Food: Most importantly, encourage tamariki to have regular drinks.

Our top 5 tips on kids nutrition while caring for tamariki who are ill with Covid:

  • Water or diluted apple juice is good, while lemonade ice blocks are tasty and cooling.
  • We also really like Pediatric Elecrotye drinks such as Pedialyte as it really does help to rehydrate our little ones – you can get it in raspberry, lemonade and peach mango, so there are some yummy flavours that go down a treat!
  • Breastfeed babies regularly as this keeps them well hydrated and it is also comforting.
  • However, fizzy drinks are not so good at this time and may unsettle little tummies.
  • Don’t worry if your child does not eat much. Sometimes some clear soup and bread or slices of apple or cucumber may be the most they feel up to.

3: Temperature:  Additionally, keep an eye on their temperature. If your child is feverish, don’t dress them too warmly and give them paracetamol or ibuprofen. They may be tired and need extra naps. In kids, a temperature with Covid is common. Anything over 38 degrees is considered a fever, but you can find out more details about fevers here.

4: Vomiting: Moreover, some children vomit as a symptom of Covid. Remember to give small amounts of water frequently, or again, a lemonade ice block is helpful to encourage fluids. However, if you are concerned that your child is dehydrated, contact your doctor or Healthline for advice. Watching out for wet nappies is an important indicator for babies and toddlers.

5: Finally, it is worth remembering that for most children, Covid symptoms are relatively mild and usually last 4 to 5 days.

One of the best things we can do to protect our tamariki and indeed all our whānau is to get kids over five vaccinated. Vaccination helps to protect them from severe illness.

How to recognise signs of an unwell child with Covid-19

  • Drinking less than half the normal amount
  • Difficulty breathing (breathing hard or fast)
  • Pain not relieved by Pamol or ibuprofen
  • Very lethargic or sleepy
  • Severe tummy pain, chest pain or headache
  • Fever lasting for more than seven days

Seeking medical advice for a child with Covid-19

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, contact us at Botany Junction or ring Healthline for overnight medical advice for kids with Covid.

However, in an emergency, dial 111.

Sometimes we all need a little extra information and reassurance. Fortunately, there are lots of great resources out there. We like this video from our friends at Starship.

Caring for your Child with Covid-19 by Starship Children’s Hospital

Always remember that at Highbrook, we are here to help you – especially while you are caring for an unwell child with signs of Covid-19. Please ring our friendly customer services team. They will ensure you get a callback or the help you need for Covid symptoms in kids.  

Signs of an unwell child with Covid-19 | Medical advice for kids with Covid

Isolating at home tips from botany junction Medical

7 things to do if you need to home isolate with Omicron

As the Omicron variant is now spreading quickly in the community, it won’t be surprising if you’ll need to home isolate as a contact of a positive case.  So above all, stay calm. Evidence shows that the Omicron variant is much milder than Delta and it’s unlikely you will need hospital care. Also, if you are fully vaccinated and had a booster, you may have no symptoms at all.  Most people will have a mild to moderate cold or flu-like illness, which means you should be able to look after yourself or family members at home. 

To help you out, we’ve put together a quick guide on what to do and how to take care of yourself below.

7 tips for home isolate with the Omicron variant

Naturally, protecting your whānau and community will be top of your mind if you’ve been exposed to Omicron. Of course, the best way to do this is by going into isolation. Without a doubt, this slows the spread of infection.

Isolation tips to follow while you manage Omicron at home

  1. Call Healthline on 0800 3585453 or record your visit online 
  2. Stay at home, do not go to work or school and do not have visitors to your home.
  3. Tell your employer or school that you are isolating. They need to know to keep others who may be close contacts safe and will be grateful for the information to help them plan.
  4. If possible try to isolate away from other family members.  This means it’s best to eat and sleep alone and wear a mask when close to other family members. Try not to share dishes, towels etc.
  5. Opening windows is a good way to get fresh air. This helps to limit the spread of the Omicron variant. During home isolation, you can go outside, but stay on your own property and away from neighbours.
  6. Reach out to friends and family to drop off any food or prescriptions and help with caring for or walking pets. 
  7. Follow the instructions about when to get a PCR test. Currently, testing is only for people who are symptomatic

Also, there’s lots of further tips on home isolation at Te Whatu Ora.

Keep track of any Omicron symptoms (and get in touch if they get worse)

Fortunately,  symptoms of Omicron infection tend to be mild to moderate. More like what you might expect from getting a cold or the flu.

Look out for mild symptoms of the Omicron variant including:

  • Feeling tired
  • A  runny nose or sneezing 
  • Fever (38°+)
  • Sore or scratchy throat
  • Headache or body aches
  • Dry cough or breathlessness

Whilst most people who get Omicron will have a mild to moderate illness it will pay to monitor symptoms.  Especially, if you are pregnant or have a long term health condition, like diabetes, asthma, heart disease or cancer, you may need more support. It’s a great idea to keep a diary of your symptoms.

For a good list of treatment suggestions to manage symptoms of Omicron at home see Dr Kannangara’s blog on our sister clinic, Highbrook, site.

What to do if your symptoms get worse (and when to get help)

As always, our caring staff at Botany Junction are here to help you.  If you are concerned, we can arrange a phone consultation , or if needed, an appointment to be seen and assessed.

Keep in mind, our phones are especially busy at this time, so we might be delayed in answering your call. General information on how to assess if your omicron symptoms are mild, moderate or severe can be found on Health Navigator

Don’t wait if your symptoms suddenly get worse or you have difficulty breathing. Call 111 for an ambulance.  

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