Resources

As we start the new school year there are some great topics to talk with your tamariki and whānau to support good health. We suggest using the following snippets:

• Water only
• Sun smart
• Dental health

It is important to make sure tamariki are taking care of their teeth. The easiest way to do this is to brush teeth twice a day and make sure that tamariki are using a fluoride toothpaste. The following snippet outlines simple tips to care for teeth, along with guidance on identifying brands of toothpaste that contain fluoride:

• Dental health

Winter illness

As we enter influenza (flu) season it is time to get prepared as flu can spread quickly in schools and colleges. Immunisation is recommended and free for tamariki aged 3 to 12 years and those 4 years or under who have had a stay in hospital for asthma or other breathing problems. We suggest using the following snippets to help to protect the health of students and your school communities.

• Winter illness
• Hand washing
• Couging and sneezing

Being prepared for winter illness is still important this Term. The good basic hygiene steps are key, as well as ensuing tamariki stay home until they're symptom free for 24 hours. We suggest using the following snippets:

• Winter illness
• Measles

As we head into the start of the summer season, getting tamariki into good sun habits is important. We suggest using the following snippets:

• Sun smart
• Healthy skin
• Healthy sleep habits
• Water only

Snippets

5 ways to wellbeing full size newsletter snippet (external link)

5 ways to wellbeing full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message for your own format

To follow your own format, use these key messages and imagery:

Here's 5 things you can do in your whānau routine to improve well-being for your tamariki.

• Connect with people who make you feel valued.
• Be active - do what you can, enjoy what you do, and move your mood.
• Take notice - remember the simple things that give you joy. When did you last stop, breathe, be curious, and enjoy the beauty around you?
• Keep learning - embrace new experiences. What can you learn together?
• Give - your time, your words, and presence. How can your family show kindness to the community?

For more information

• allright.org.nz (external link)
• mentalhealth.org.nz/five-ways-to-wellbeing (external link)
• info.health.nz/keeping-healthy (external link)

Imagery

5 ways to wellbeing full size speech bubbles (external link)

Snippets

Asthma full size newsletter snippet (external link)

Asthma full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message for your own format

Asthma is a breathing condition that leads to narrowing of the airways of the lungs.

Symptoms include:

• wheeze and cough (together)
• breathlessness.

Common asthma triggers are:

• colds (viruses)
• exercise
• dust
• pollens
• pet hair
• cigarette smoke.

If your tamariki have these symptoms, please talk with your doctor.

For more information

• kidshealth.org.nz/asthma (external link)
• info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/lungs/asthma (external link)

Imagery

Asthma imagery full size (external link)

Snippets

Coughing and sneezing full size newsletter snippet (external link)

Coughing and sneezing full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message

Here are some important points to teach your tamariki about coughing and sneezing.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze - then put the tissue in a bin.
• If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Always turn your face away from people when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser after you cough or sneeze.
• Never cough or sneeze into your hands or open air.

For more information

• kidshealth.org.nz/colds-in-children (external link)
• info.health.nz/keeping-healthy/healthy-homes-environments/healthy-habits (external link)

Imagery

Coughing and sneezing full size imagery (external link)

Snippets

Dental health full size newsletter snippet (external link)

Dental health full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message

Tips for keeping tamariki teeth clean.

• Brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes, twice a day.
• Spit, do not rinse after brushing.
• Avoid drinking sugary drinks. Tap water is still the best drink for thirst.
• Eat snacks with no added sugar.
• Free dental care is available for under 18-year-olds.

For more information

• beehealthy.org.nz (external link)
• kidshealth.org.nz/healthy-teeth/dental-care-for-your-child (external link)
• info.health.nz/services-support/dental-care (external link)
• healthed.govt.nz/collections/topic-teeth-and-oral-health (external link)
• nzda.org.nz/public/your-oral-health (external link)

Imagery

Dental health full size imagery (external link)

Snippets

Eczema full size newsletter post (external link)

Eczema full size social media post (external link)

Key message

Eczema is a skin condition that causes your skin to be dry, itchy, sore and red (inflamed). Eczema is not infectious and is not passed to or from tamariki.

Use the treatments provided to manage the skin of your tamariki. These may include:

• moisturiser
• anti-inflammatory creams (also known as steroid creams)
• non-soap washes
• ointments.

Keeping your tamariki skin moisturised, even when it is not itchy, will help control their eczema.

See your doctor if your tamariki eczema is:

• infected - blisters with pus, weeping painful skin
• not responding to daily use of their steroid cream for more than 2 weeks
• regularly waking them at night, causing them to miss school or it is affecting their mood and confidence.

For more information

• kidshealth.org.nz/eczema (external link)
• info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/skin/eczema (external link)
• healthify.nz/health-a-z/e/eczema-topics (external link)

Imagery

Eczema full size imagery (external link)

Snippets

Get kids cooking full size newsletter snippet (external link)

Get kids cooking full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message

When tamariki are involved in preparation and cooking they are much more likely to try new foods.

Here are some tasks your tamaiti can do to help when cooking.

• Wash vegetables and fruits.
• Mix or stir liquids, batter, or other cold ingredients in a bowl.
• Mash soft fruits and vegetables.
• Cutt soft foods such as kiwifruit, bananas, avocado or mushrooms - use a butter knife.
• Break eggs.
• Sift dry ingredients such as flour.
• Measure and weigh ingredients.
• Peel and grate vegetables or fruits.

For more information

• heartfoundation.org.nz/wellbeing/healthy-eating/kids-kitchen (external link)
• heartfoundation.org.nz/about-us/news/blogs/get-kids-cooking-these-holidays (external link)

Imagery

Get kids cooking full size imagery (external link)

Snippets

Hand washing full size newsletter snippet (external link)

Hand washing full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message

Regularly washing hands prevents the spread of a range of illnesses including colds, flu and tummy bugs.

Wash your hands:

• before preparing or eating food
• after blowing your nose, coughing and sneezing, and visiting the toilet.

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water.

Dry your hands for 20 seconds with a dry towel or paper towel.

If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitiser. Look for one with 60-80% alcohol. Hand sanitiser is a good alternative however it is not as effective against viruses as soap and water.

For more information

• info.health.nz/keeping-healthy/healthy-homes-environments/healthy-habits (external link)
• healthed.govt.nz - search for 'wash hands' (external link)

Imagery

Hand washing full size imagery (external link)

Snippets

Head lice full size newsletter snippet (external link)

Head lice full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message

Five tips to prevent head lice. Let us break the cycle.

1. Comb and brush your hair everyday with your own comb or brush.
2. Avoid sharing hats.
3. Wear swimming caps at the pool and avoid sharing towels.
4. Wear your long hair tied up.
5. Let an adult check your hair - check the whole whānau weekly.

If you notice your tamaiti has head lice:

• treat with wet combing or Dimethicone 4% lotion
• notify school so they can tell parents to check their tamariki.

See your Public health nurse or school office for resources and advice.

For more information

• kidshealth.org.nz/topics/head-lice (external link)
• info.health.nz/keeping-healthy/healthy-homes-environments/pests-and-insects/head-lice-nits (external link)
• dermnetnz.org/topics/head-lice (external link)

Other resources

Head lice full size imagery (external link)

Head lice full size poster (external link)

Head lice full size word search (external link)

Nit full size word search (external link)

Snippets

Healthy skin full size newsletter snippet (external link)

Healthy skin full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message

Here are some important tips to remember if your tamariki have any sores.

• Keep skin clean, wash hands often.
• Keep fingernails short and clean.
• Clean and cover sores with a plaster.
• See your healthcare provider if the sore is bigger than a 10c coin, close to the eye, will not stop bleeding or signs of infection (sore, red, swollen, has pus or the sore is getting biggeror not improving).
• If prescribed antibiotics for infected sore, make sure your tamaiti finishes the course.
• If not improving, return to the healthcare provider.

For more information

• kidshealth.org.nz/body/skin (external link)
• info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/skin (external link)

Other resources

Healthy skin full size imagery (external link)

Healthy skin full size word search (external link)

Snippets

Healthy sleep habits full size newsletter snippet (external link)

Healthy sleep habits full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message

Here are some great tips to make sure your tamariki get enough sleep.

• Tamariki aged 5 to 13 years need 9 to 11 hours of sleep each night to help their body and brain develop.
• Encourage exercise during the day.
• Create a routine of going to bed at the same time each evening.
• If you can, keep the bedroom for sleeping only.
• Keep cell phones, computers, TVs and video games out of the bedroom.
• Replace screen time 1 hour before bedtime with calming activities such as bathing, music, and reading.
• Keep the bedroom dark, quiet, and comfortable.

For more information

• kidshealth.org.nz/topics/normal-sleep (external link)
• info.health.nz/keeping-healthy/activity-diet/effects-sleep-health (external link)

Imagery

Healthy sleep habits full size imagery (external link)

Snippets

HPV vaccine full size newsletter snippet (external link)

HPV vaccine full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message

HPV spreads through intimate skin-on-skin contact. Most of the time you would not know that you have an HPV infection, and they often go away on their own. But sometimes they hang around and can lead to a range of cancers later in life.

The vaccine is very effective in preventing infection from the 9 types of HPV. The best way to protect your tamariki against HPV is to get them immunised.

HPV infections may cause genital warts, cancer in the throat and genitals, and can affect anyone. The HPV vaccine, called Gardasil, protects against the virus that causes these cancers.

For more information

• info.health.nz/immunisations/vaccines-aotearoa/hpv-human-papillomavirus-vaccine (external link)
• hpv.org.nz/hpv-prevention/how-get-hpv-vaccine (external link)

Imagery

HPV vaccine full size imagery (external link)

Snippets

Influenza full size newsletter snippet (external link)

Influenza full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message

Tamariki are at risk of getting very sick from the flu, and of passing it on to their whānau.

Flu is usually spread by coughing and sneezing and is most common during winter.

It is recommended everyone over 6 months old gets immunised against flu every year. It is free for people who are pregnant, over 65s, and people at higher risk of getting very sick. Check with your healthcare provider to see if you are eligible.

It is especially important for tamariki with health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes to get the flu vaccine.

For more information

• info.health.nz/immunisations/vaccines-aotearoa/flu-vaccine (external link)
• info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/flu-influenza (external link)
• kidshealth.org.nz/flu-in-children (external link)

Imagery

Influenza full size imagery (external link)

Snippets

Measles full size early learning service and school newsletter snippet (external link)

Measles full size college newsletter snippet (external link)

Measles full size early learning service and school social media snippet (external link)

Measles full size college social media snippet (external link)

Key message

Early learning service and school version

Measles is one of the most dangerous and contagious diseases. If you are not vaccinated and come into contact with someone who has it, you are very likely to catch it and pass it on to others.

Measles can cause a rash, flu-like symptoms, or more serious problems like brain swelling, chest infections, or death.

The best prevention is 2 MMR vaccinations. The MMR vaccine protects against 3 viral infections — measles, mumps and rubella. If you are unsure how many your whānau have had, check with your healthcare provider. Vaccines are free for tamariki and adults who have not had 2 doses.

Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 if you have symptoms and need advice or go to your healthcare provider.

Note: The Protect against measles website is no longer available.

College version

Measles is one of the most dangerous and contagious diseases. If you are not vaccinated and come into contact with someone who has it, you are very likely to catch it and pass it on to others.

Measles can cause a rash, flu-like symptoms, or more serious problems like brain swelling, chest infections, or death. Check that your rangatahi have had their 2 MMR vaccines that were given at 12 to 15 months of age and the other at 4 years.

The best prevention is 2 MMR vaccinations. The MMR vaccine protects against 3 viral infections — measles, mumps and rubella. If you are unsure how many your family have had, check with your doctor. Vaccines are free for rangatahi and adults who have not had 2 doses.

Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 if you have symptoms and need advice or go to your healthcare provider.

Note: The Protect against measles website is no longer available.

For more information

• info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/about-measles (external link)
• healthed.govt.nz - search for 'measles' (external link)
• kidshealth.org.nz/vaccination/measles-immunisation (external link)

Imagery

Measles full size early learning service and school imagery (external link)

Measles full size college imagery (external link)

Snippets

Meningococcal full size early learning service and school newsletter snippet (external link)

Meningococcal full size college newsletter snippet (external link)

Meningococcal full size early learning service and school social media snippet (external link)

Meningococcal full size college social media snippet (external link)

Key message

Early learning services and school version

Meningococcal disease is an infection caused by bacteria. It can lead to 2 very serious illnesses – meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

The disease is spread in similar ways to the common cold — by coughing and sneezing, or by contact with saliva (spit).

In the early stages, you usually feel unwell, with fever, headache and vomiting, just like a cold or flu. Symptoms include:

• stiff neck
• fever
• headache
• eyes being more sensitive to light (photophobia)
• confusion.

Early treatment with antibiotics is very important. If your tamariki appears very ill, especially if there is a rash, call your healthcare provider, or Healthline 0800 611 116 day or night. In an emergency, call 111. Do not wait.

Vaccination is free for pēpi. All tamariki under 5 years old, who have not been fully immunised, can catch up for free until 31 August 2025.

Colleges version

Meningococcal disease is an infection caused by bacteria. It can lead to 2 very serious illnesses – meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). The disease is spread in similar ways to the common cold — by coughing and sneezing, or by contact with saliva (spit).

In the early stages, you usually feel unwell, with fever, headache and vomiting, just like a cold or flu. Symptoms include:

• stiff neck
• fever
• headache
• eyes being more sensitive to light (photophobia)
• confusion.

Early treatment with antibiotics is very important. Do not wait - get urgent medical attention. There are 2 different vaccines that protect for up to 5 years. Both are free for young people aged 13 to 25 entering communal accommodation, for example boarding school, tertiary halls of residence and hostels.

For more information

• info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/meningococcal-disease (external link)
• kidshealth.org.nz/meningococcal-disease (external link)
• healthed.govt.nz - search for 'meningococcal' (external link)

Imagery

Meningococcal full size early learning service and school imagery (external link)

Meningococcal full size college imagery (external link)

Snippets

Porirua ear van full size newsletter snippet (external link)

Porirua ear van full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message

Free ear checks for tamariki 0 to 18 years.

This service is provided by a registered nurse who has special training in ear health. The nurse provides:

• assessment of ear problems
• parental education and support
• ear wax removal
• removal of foreign objects in the ear canal
• ear canal cleaning
• and more.

Book an appointment at info.health.nz/locations/wellington-hutt-and-kapiti/porirua-tamariki-ear-van

For more information

• kidshealth.org.nz/ear-infection (external link)
• info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/ear-nose-throat/earache (external link)

Imagery

Porirua ear van full size imagery (external link)

Snippets

Rheumatic fever full size newsletter snippet (external link)

Rheumatic fever full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message

Rheumatic fever often starts with a sore throat or skin infection caused by a bacteria called Group A Streptococcus (GAS).

Most sore throats get better on their own, but if strep throat is not treated with antibiotics it can develop into rheumatic fever where the heart, joints, brain and skin become inflamed and swollen.

If tamariki and rangatahi have a sore throat or skin infection, it is important to get them checked out straight away by your healthcare provider. If prescribed antibiotics, make sure your tamaiti takes the full course.

Free sore throat clinics are available to people at high risk of developing rheumatic fever in many parts of Aotearoa. Find your nearest sore throat clinic at info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/rheumatic-fever (external link)

For more information

• kidshealth.org.nz/rheumatic-fever (external link)

Imagery

Rheumatic fever full size imagery (external link)

Snippets

Scabies full size newsletter snippet (external link)

Scabies full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message

Scabies is a very itchy skin rash (especially at night) caused by a reaction to a tiny mite that burrows under your skin.

Scabies spreads easily between people through close skin-to-skin contact and will not go away without treatment.

Scabies is usually treated with a cream called permethrin which kills the scabies mite. Get this from your pharmacy or on prescription from your doctor. You need enough cream to treat everyone in your household, even if they do not have any symptoms.

For more information

• kidshealth.org.nz/scabies-in-children (external link)
• info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/skin/scabies (external link)

Imagery

Scabies full size imagery (external link)

Snippets

Sun smart full size newsletter snippet (external link)

Sun smart full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message

Simple tips for being sun smart:

• slip on a shirt of shade
• slop on some sunscreen
• slap on a hat that covers your face and neck
• wrap on a pair of sunglasses.

For more information

• sunsmart.org.nz (external link)

Imagery

Sun smart full size imagery (external link)

Snippets

Vaping full size newsletter snippet (external link)

Vaping full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message

Vape companies are targeting our rangatahi. Vaping is not for young people and is intended to help people quit smoking. If you do not smoke - do not vape.

Both vaping and smoking both deliver nicotine - tobacco causes harm, but vaping is not harmless.

It is illegal to supply vapes to people under 18 years (minors). It is also illegal to purchase vapes on behalf of minors. The fines for doing this are $2,000 and $5,000 respectively.

The vaping liquid typically contains:

• propylene glycol
• vegetable glycerine
• plus flavours
• the option of nicotine.

Some ingredients in vape juice may be safe to ingest but not to inhale and may cause lung damage.

Common side effects of vaping:

• coughing
• dry mouth and throat
• shortness of breath
• mouth and throat irritation
• headaches.

E-cigarette use is linked to poor mental health and may cause a higher incidence of asthma in pre-disposed young people.

For more information

• vapingfacts.health.nz/vapefree-schools/ (external link)
• healthify.nz/hauora-wellbeing/v/vaping-how-to-talk-to-your-kids (external link)
• info.health.nz/contact-us/make-a-smoking-or-vaping-complaint (external link)

Imagery

Vaping full size imagery (external link)

Snippets

Water only full size newsletter snippet (external link)

Water only full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message

Water is best at home and school - give your tamariki a drink bottle they can fill with plain tap water.

• At home, keep sugary drinks for extra special occasions only.
• New Zealand tap water is safe to drink straight from the tap and it is free.
• Unlike sugary drinks, water does not cause tooth decay, obesity, or diabetes.
• When we are thirsty, water is perfect.
• Add fruit slices to plain water to make it more appealing.

For more information

• healthify.nz/hauora-wellbeing/w/water (external link)
• tewhatuora.govt.nz/health-services-and-programmes/health-promotion/programmes/water-only-schools (external link)
• order.healthpromotion.govt.nz/collections/eating-activity/campaign-sugary-drinks (external link)
• nzda.org.nz/public/switch-to-water (external link)

Imagery

Water only full size imagery (external link)

Snippets

Whopping cough full size newsletter snippet (external link)

Whopping cough full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly infectious disease and causes breathing difficulties and severe coughing fits.

It can be very serious for tamariki and pēpi. It can easily spread between whānau members by coughing and sneezing. It can also spread quickly around early education centres and schools, which is why it is important to make sure your whānau are up to date with vaccinations.

Whooping cough vaccines are free for pregnant people, all tamariki under 18 years old and adults from 45 and 65 years old. The Boostrix vaccine also offers protection against tetanus and diphtheria.

For more information

• info.health.nz/immunisations/vaccines-aotearoa/whooping-cough-pertussis-vaccine (external link)
• kidshealth.org.nz/whooping-cough (external link)
• info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/whooping-cough (external link)
• healthed.govt.nz - search for 'whooping cough' (external link)

Imagery

Whopping cough full size imagery (external link)

Snippets

Winter illness full size newsletter snippet (external link)

Winter illness full size social media snippet (external link)

Key message

Winter Illness and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Cold, flu and other respiratory viruses including RSV are common in schools and early learning centres during winter. These illnesses can be easily spread by sneezes or cough droplets.

RSV infections may progress to cause pneumonia and bronchiolitis, especially in pēpi.

Common symptoms:

• a runny nose
• coughing or sneezing
• fever wheezing and difficulty breathing
• loss of appetite
• difficulty feeding due to breathlessness.

Reminders

Anyone who is unwell should stay at home until they are symptom free and feeling well. Your tamariki should not return to school or early learning until 24 hours after their symptoms (cough, runny nose) have gone.

Wash and dry hands thoroughly and often to stop the spread of illness.

Shortness of breath or abnormally rapid breathing always requires immediate medical attention If your pēpi or tamariki has these symptoms.

Resources

Winter illness - what to do if your child is sick fact sheet [PDF, 1.1 MB]

Influenza brochure [PDF, 93 KB]

Influenza fact sheet [PDF, 92 KB]

For more information

• kidshealth.org.nz/colds-in-children (external link)
• kidshealth.org.nz/cough-in-children (external link)
• kidshealth.org.nz/is-my-child-sick (external link)
• info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/flu-influenza (external link)
• info.health.nz/immunisations/vaccines-aotearoa/flu-vaccine (external link)

Imagery

Winter illness full size imagery (external link)