72883 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

72883 (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 achieving the overarching measure ‘The development of a fully functioning sustainable immunisation system that protects tamariki from the effects of epidemic and immunisation-preventable disease’ within the ‘Initial Priorities for the National Immunisation Programme in Aotearoa 2022’?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the January to March 2024 quarter, implementation of the Immunisation Taskforce recommendations continued. Initiatives included streamlining the vaccinator authorisation process, beginning with pharmacist vaccinators, to make it easier for them to become whole-of-life vaccinators. In addition, all core vaccinator training courses delivered online became free, and ongoing improvements were made to the new Aotearoa Immunisation Register. For updates on further initiatives during the quarter I refer the Member to my response to Written Parliamentary Questions 72876 and 72881 (2024).