Vaccination rates are not high enough yet in the Bay of Plenty to fully protect babies and children from preventable diseases such as measles and whooping cough, according to a doctor described as a national immunisation champion.

Dr Pat Tuohy is visiting the Bay of Plenty this week visiting with immunisation providers and assessing the region's immunisation statistics.

Immunisation rates are now high enough in the Bay of Plenty.

He says the rates are improving and believes the goal of protecting the Bay's children from vaccine preventable diseases will be achieved eventually.

At a workshop with BOP immunisers held in Te Puke, Pat discussed a number of steps to encourage parents to vaccinate their children 'on time, every time”.

Parents are eager to get reliable information on the benefits and any adverse effects from vaccination, he says.

GPs and practice nurses build trusting relationships with parents, so that they feel confident immunisation is the best option for their children.

In addition, Pat says general practices can provide a more welcoming environment for families, so the immunisation event can be a positive experience.

'Parents want what is best for their children. That includes immunisation with the full range of free vaccines that are available for babies and infants.

'Our role as health professionals is to give parents the confidence that immunisation is a safe choice, which will be effective in preventing a range of serious childhood diseases.” There have been recent outbreaks of both measles and whooping cough in New Zealand. 'The new rotavirus oral vaccine, available since July 1, will significantly reduce illness in young babies.”