There is tension between the Northland DHB and Education Minister Chris Hipkins around child vaccinations, with a potential measles outbreak up North. (Photo / File)

Tension between DHB and Minister of Education over vaccinations

Author: Newstalk ZB staff,
Publish Date: Wed, 8 May 2019, 6:04PM

A war of words has broken out between the Northland DHB and Minster of Education over unvaccinated kids at school.

Northland DHB sent letters to principals yesterday asking them to consider excluding unvaccinated children from schools for the next two weeks, because of a possible measles outbreak.

This morning it was revealed that at one Northland school alone there are 250 students who's vaccination status is unknown.

Education Minister Chris Hipkins said today kids should not suffer the consequences of their parents decision.

However Northland immunisation coordinator Kelly Priest the disease is highly infectious.

She says if children are showing signs of things like a runny-nose, watery eye or a fever - they should not come to school.

LISTEN TO KELLY PRIEST TALK WITH MIKE YARDLEY ABOVE.