19893 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

19893 (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 ‘Investigate what steps can be taken to increase uptake of the Vaccinating Health Worker model, including if changes are needed to the role of the supervisor’ under ‘Priority Area 1: Expansion of vaccinator workforce’ within the ‘Initial Priorities for the National Immunisation Programme in Aotearoa 2022’?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that between October and December 2023, the Vaccinator Health Worker (VHW) training course was free. Trainees are provided with the option to use the credits to contribute to other qualifications. This attracts workers into the health system and other vaccination roles. A review of the VHW programme has been proposed for 2024/25 to investigate options to further increase uptake.