Immunisations offered free

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32838, 11 February 1972, Page 3

Immunisations offered free

Free immunisations for their own patients are being offered by four Christchurch doctors who believe that immunisations are an important part of preventive medicine.

A spokesman for the group of doctors said it had been decided to try the free immunisations at least once. Nobody knew how many people were deterred by having to pay the usual fees for such a service. Present intentions were to claim the ordinary social security charge which would about cover the cost of the immunisation. The vaccines were provided by the Department of Health.

A newsletter sent to patients attended by the group says immunisation will be given free for diptheria, whooping cough, tetanus, poliomyelitis, English measles and German measles. There will also be a free check for diabetes or a chest X-ray if wanted. The doctors say in the letter that “preventive medicine is the best medicine and all patients in the practice should keep up with their immunisations. To encourage patients to keep up-to-date there will be no charge.” GOOD RESPONSE The spokesman said there had been a good response to the invitation to attend the free clinic which would be held on a Saturday next month. He said he could not estimate at this stage how many would attend but at least 50 had indicated they would come.

The Medical Officer of Health for the Christchurch health district (Dr L. F. Jepson) said that the doctors concerned were to be congratulated for their publicspirited action. It was vitally important that minimum levels of immunisation should be maintained, as this was the only way to prevent what were once common infectious diseases of children.