53949 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

53949 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter January to March 2024 in actioning the recommendation ‘Provide a one-off establishment fee to hauora providers that are new to vaccination. This will cover start-up costs such as vaccine fridges for cold chain requirements, staff training and other resources’ under ‘Priority Area 1: Expansion of vaccinator workforce’ 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 partners lift immunisation rates. I am advised that in the January to March 2024 quarter, work was underway to release this funding to providers. I am further advised that this funding has subsequently been used, in part, to help meet one-off start-up costs for Hauora Māori providers offering vaccinations for the first time.