4965 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

4965 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: How will the $50 million to lift immunisation rates announced on 21 December 2023 be spent, and which, if any, immunisation taskforce recommendations do these activities support?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that of the total $50 million, $30 million was allocated to the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency to leverage their existing systems to rapidly deliver large numbers of vaccinations. The remaining $20 million was approved for distribution to health providers ($10 million for North Island providers, and $10 million for those in the South Island) for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years. Local design and delivery of services by providers who are part of the communities they serve is essential to maximising the efficacy, take up, and value for money from this initiative. I am further advised that this funding aligns with the following Immunisation Taskforce recommendations: Health New Zealand and other relevant entities to implement long-term, stable funding that provides comprehensive and equitable care to tamariki, including immunisations. This includes funding for co-ordination and monitoring at a local level. Offering alternative choices for scheduled childhood immunisation, including Hauora Māori partners, to tamariki Māori. Develop innovative marketing materials to counter immunisation complacency, confusion, and lack of confidence among members of the public. Increase health literacy and health education across all population groups on the benefits of immunisation and herd immunity to reduce impacts from communicable disease. Invest in culturally appropriate providers to administer catch-up immunisations to Māori communities. Hauora Māori Partners to offer a mixed model of in-clinic/in-community/outreach services to gain an increase in immunisation uptake by whānau, specifically targeted to increase immunisation rates for 0-2 years, and further into the wider whānau within households.