Thursday, February 13, 2025

Whāngarei Plunket takes shot at immunisation

Plunket in Whāngarei will now offer childhood immunisations – the first of up to 27 sites nationwide to take part in the Government’s pilot immunisation programme announced in October last year.

Health Minister, Simeon Brown says the move – backed with a $1 million Government investment – will allow Plunket to deliver vaccinations alongside in-clinic Well Child visits, at dedicated immunisations clinics, at community events, and eventually in homes. 

“Improving childhood immunisation rates is a priority for the Government. Having established immunisation services across the country is an important step in increasing access and reducing barriers,” said Mr Brown.

“The Government knows that immunisations are a critical tool in protecting children from serious, preventable diseases such as whooping cough (pertussis), which has worryingly already hospitalised a number of babies so far this year. 

“Our Government’s health targets are critical to ensuring that all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare services. This new service will support our target of 95% of children being fully vaccinated by 24 months of age, setting them up for a healthy start in life.” 

The Minister said that by upskilling the existing workforce and catching those in the system who may not be able to access their general practice or aren’t enrolled, childhood immunisations will be boosted in areas where vaccine coverage is particularly low.

This initiative to boost the vaccination workforce is in addition to the $50 million investment over two years for Hauora Māori providers to deliver additional vaccinations. The pilot runs until June 2026. 

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