Babies throughout New Zealand will be eligible for a free vaccine offering protection against a variety of illnesses caused by pneumococcal bacteria from June 1.
Otago Southland medical officer of health Dr John Holmes said the vaccine, which had been widely used overseas, is designed to protect against pneumonia, pneumococcal meningitis, ear and sinus infections.
In 2006, 151 children under the age of 5 contracted invasive pneumococcal disease, 25 of them in Otago.
Between January 2004 and March this year, a total of 91 cases were identified in Otago, with the province's rate of infection about the same as the national average, about 14 per 100,000.
Dr Holmes said there was a slightly higher chance of getting the disease, which is usually spread by sneezing or coughing, in July, August and September.
The effects of the disease are most severe in children under 2 and in the elderly.
Dr Holmes said it was thought that vaccinating babies has a beneficial spin-off for older people, as it makes them less likely to contract the bacteria.
Before now, there has been a vaccine available for people over the age of 2, but it could not be used for babies.
Vaccinations, for those who want them, will be carried out at the same time as other vaccinations on the schedule, at six weeks, three months, five months and 15 months.
Parents and caregivers can arrange for babies born from January 1 to take advantage of a catch-up course by contacting their family doctor or practice nurse.
The vaccine, called Prevenar, will be available free to children under 5 with medical conditions which put them at greater risk of pneumococcal disease.
The Government will spend $68 million over four years on the vaccine.
