For some children (born before 1 July 2022), a mobile team will be in touch once your child has been allocated to a provider. Appointments are arranged based on age and need.
What happens at the B4 School Check?
You and your child will attend an appointment at a Public Health-run site, lasting around 45 minutes. The nurse will explain what the check involves and ask for your consent before starting.
This is a good opportunity to talk about your child’s development and raise any questions or concerns you may have.
Before your appointment
Before attending, you may find it helpful to look through the B4 School Check pages in your child’s “My Health Book”. This can help you prepare any questions or topics you would like to discuss.
After 10 years of dedicated service to our patients and team, Dr Caroline Mackenzie has advised that she will be retiring from General Practice on 29 October 2026.
Good news for parents and caregivers! From 1 September 2026, influenza vaccination is now funded for all children aged 6 months to under 5 years. Previously, funding was limited to children who met certain eligibility criteria. This has now been expanded in response to high rates of influenza illness and hospitalisations among young children.If your child is aged 6 months to under 5 years, they are now eligible for a funded flu vaccine. How many doses will my child need?If your child is 6 months to under 4 years and this is their first year receiving a flu vaccination, they will require 2 doses, at least 4 weeks apart. If your child has previously received a flu vaccination, they will generally require just 1 dose this year. It’s not too late to get vaccinated. The New Zealand flu season started later than usual and may continue for longer this year. The current flu vaccine is a good match for the influenza viruses currently circulating. Please contact Halswellhealth reception 03 322 8121 to book your child’s vaccination or you can book via your patient portal.
We are very sad to advise that our friend and colleague Anna Swain passed away this week, surrounded by her family, following a courageous battle with motor neurone disease.
