19877 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

19877 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter October to December 2023 in actioning the recommendation ‘Expand the options for access with a particular focus on hapū māmā Māori and Pacific people’ under ‘Priority Area 3: Antenatal immunisations’ within the ‘Initial Priorities for the National Immunisation Programme in Aotearoa 2022’?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: In December 2023 I announced a two-year $50 million package to help Māori health providers lift immunisation rates. I am further advised that Pacific providers have also been recently supported to deliver community initiatives for Childhood Immunisations, Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations in the Northern and Te Manawa Taki regions. I am further advised that a new website, www.immunise.health.nz, was launched where health professionals and consumers can find information on antenatal immunisations. Work is continuing nationally, regionally, and locally to identify touchpoints where hapū māmā can have supportive conversations about immunisation.