OHM

Reviewing the individual’s vaccination record where possible to establish the vaccination requirements. Often a blood test is required to establish the immunity status of the person as some people develop immunity through previous vaccinations or the disease itself. Vaccinations are given depending on the level of immunity and to those who are exposed in their work.

This includes the following vaccinations:

Hepatitis A&B

Hepatitis A&B are infectious diseases that can stop your liver from working properly. Hepatitis A spreads through contact with faeces of someone who has the virus either by contact with that person or contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B is spread through contact with bodily fluids and is the most infectious of the blood borne viruses. It is recommended everyone is vaccinated at least against Hep B (this is part of the childhood immunisation schedule in New Zealand).

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap)

Tetanus:

Tetanus is caused by the release of the tetanus toxin by a bacterium often found in soil. Unlike other vaccine-preventable diseases, tetanus is not transmitted between people. The toxin is so potent that small amounts can cause serious effects in the nervous system preventing muscles from relaxing. This results in stiffness, cramping, ‘lockjaw’ and painful spasms. Risk of tetanus infection is through deep or chronic wounds thus often people are given booster vaccinations after having cuts/wound.

Diphtheria:

Diphtheria is an infectious disease in which bacteria infect the nose, throat or skin. While it is rare, being infected with diphtheria can be serious and include life threatening complications of major organs including heart and kidneys. It can be transmitted in various ways including respiratory droplets (coughing or sneezing) and contaminated food and objects.

Pertussis:

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness. It can last for a long time, up to three months sometimes called the ‘hundred-day cough’. It mostly affects babies and small children causing severe coughing, sometimes resulting in vomiting. Adults are less affected by this but can be carriers so if they are working with or in contact with children i.e. early childhood carers, we recommend vaccination against pertussis.

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)

Measles:

Measles is one of the most infectious diseases and is spread through the air by infected droplets or direct contact with secretions from the nose or throat of infected persons, for example by touching contaminated items or surfaces. Regular epidemics still occur within NZ.

Mumps:

Mumps is a viral illness and is spread through the air from person to person by coughing and sneezing and by direct contact with saliva. Unvaccinated adolescents and adults are most at risk, and are more likely to experience severe mumps disease and complications.

Rubella:

Rubella is a viral illness and is spread through the air from person to person by coughing and sneezing. Rubella is now very rare in New Zealand due to high rates of immunisation in the community.

Poliomyelitis

Polio is a highly contagious viral disease. There are three types of polioviruses. Infection can result in irreversible paralysis, usually of the leg muscles. People infected with a poliovirus excrete the virus in their saliva and faeces. Polioviruses are passed from person-to-person through the faecal-oral route or through contaminated water and food.

Meningococcal disease ACYY & B

Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. At least 12 groups have been identified, including groups A, B, C, Y and W. Meningococcal bacteria are commonly carried in the nose and throat and can be transferred from person to person through contact with saliva. Laboratory workers exposed to meningococcal cultures are at risk of meningococcal disease.