4966 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

4966 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What specific factors does Health New Zealand consider underpin the low immunisation coverage at 24 months in Te Manawa Taki, and what specific actions, if any, are being taken in that region to address this?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that there are likely to be many reasons why immunisation coverage at 24 months has been lower in Te Manawa Taki than in other regions. Health New Zealand has not undertaken detailed analysis but variations in immunisation coverage are generally due to the number of children in each region; deprivation levels; rurality, the number of providers, and different strategies used at the local level to improve coverage. I am further advised that Health New Zealand is taking the following actions to improve coverage in Te Manawa Taki: - Increasing the number of immunisation services by utilising Public Health Nurses in the region. - Hosting community events that offer immunisations. - Developing a strategy to ensure equitable immunisation uptake among tāngata whaikaha whānau. - Establishing regional communications resources for the development of a regional immunisation communications strategy. - Producing educational material to inform the community about the benefits of immunisation. I am further advised that all regions are working towards achieving the national target of 95 percent of children fully immunised by 24 months of age.