31 January 2025
Health New Zealand and Whānau Āwhina Plunket joint media release
The Morningside Plunket clinic is the first of up to 27 planned to be up and running over the next 18 months in areas where immunisation coverage is particularly low.
“This is an exciting day for Whāngarei and will mean it’s more accessible for whānau and caregivers to get their babies and children immunised, if they can’t access general practice or aren’t enrolled,” Dr Nick Chamberlain, National Director, National Public Health Service, says.
“We know immunisation coverage is not where we want it to be, and this initiative will help broaden the critical role Whānau Āwhina Plunket already has in our communities”.
“Whānau Āwhina Plunket nurses here have undergone further training to become vaccinators able to deliver childhood immunisations”.
“More Plunket Whānau Āwhina Plunket nurses elsewhere will receive that training soon”.
The pilot will allow for delivery of immunisations alongside in-clinic Well Child visits, at dedicated immunisation clinics, and community events.
From left: Northern Regional Operations Manager Sam Ferreira, Chief Executive Fiona Kingsford, Plunket Nurses Madison Tomlin, Leanne Peachey, Adriana Stolwerk, Holly Nicholl, Andrea Chandler, Director National Public Health Nick Chamberlain, Clinical Services Manager Cynthia Keay and General Manager Service Delivery Denise Shera.
“With whooping cough (pertussis) cases continuing to be high and sadly a baby’s death being recorded since the declaration of the epidemic late last year, it’s hoped that we can ensure more of our precious babies, young children and vulnerable people are protected and don’t end up seriously ill in our hospitals,” Dr Chamberlain says.
Currently our immunisation rate is 77 per cent and by June 2025 we are aiming to increase this to 84%.
Then over the next five years our goal is for it to increase by between 2-3% each year, to reach the target of 95% by 2030.
“A key part of our plan to increase childhood immunisations is expanding the workforce able to deliver vaccinations, including midwives and pharmacies, so people can access vaccinations wherever they go to get healthcare,” Dr Chamberlain says.
“Whānau Āwhina Plunket strongly supports the Government’s target to have 95 percent of tamariki aged up to two years old fully immunised by 2030,” says Chief Executive Fiona Kingsford.
“In our mahi, we see first-hand the high toll of preventable illnesses such as whooping cough and measles take on the youngest and most vulnerable members of our communities.
“This partnership with Health New Zealand is a fantastic opportunity for Plunket nurses to upskill and provide this service in areas where it is most needed. We are looking forward to seeing how this pilot can both support whānau and help relieve pressure on the health system,” Ms Kingsford says.
The Government has invested up to $1million for Whānau Āwhina Plunket to train its workforce and establish immunisation services at up to 27 sites across the country. The pilot runs until June 2026.
ENDS
Media contact: hnzmedia@tewhatuora.govt.nz