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7.5.2023

Monday clinic at school offers blood tests for those without evidence of immunity

Information for students, parents, caregivers and staff

We have now identified all students and staff who do not have adequate records of immunity. These individuals must remain at home in quarantine.  

Public health staff will be phoning them today or tomorrow to check for measles symptoms and advise when their quarantine period finishes.

While these students and staff members must remain in quarantine, they can get a blood test at school on Monday 8 May, 9am to 3 pm, provided they can travel and wait in their car at the bus bay. They must go straight home afterwards, and stay in quarantine.

This blood test will determine if the student or staff member is immune. The results will take a day or so, but those with a positive result (showing immunity) will be free to leave quarantine.

We appreciate that some students and staff have overseas vaccination records, but these take time to verify. Having a positive blood test will provide proof that they are immune to measles.

We encourage students to get a blood test at school tomorrow if they have been told to quarantine, and any non-immune staff who have yet to have one. These tests will be checked as quickly as possible and public health staff will confirm the results.

Those whose are not immune will continue to be contacted by public health each day to check for measles symptoms and will told when they are able to leave quarantine.

 Measles symptoms are -

  • Rash
  • Fever
  • Sore red eyes
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Tiredness

If your child develops symptoms, please ring your medical centre before attending and tell them that your child is a contact. You can also ring Healthline for advice on 0800 611 116.

For more information about measles visit www.health.govt.nz/measles, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

           

For health advice call Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116
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