81052 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

81052 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has occurred to achieve the initiative 'Expand the vaccinator workforce to provide accessible immunisation services for our priority populations through opportunistic vaccinations. Examples include investment in Well Child Tamariki Ora, general practice, Hauora Māori partners, Pacific partners, and Whānau Awhina Plunket' included on page 10 of High Level Implementation Plans - Achieving the Health Targets, as at 16 December 2024?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that as of 16 December 2024, Health New Zealand had entered a partnership with Whānau Awhina Plunket – Well Child Tamariki Ora to run a pilot delivering childhood immunisation services in areas of high need. The pilot will run until June 2026 and will involve up to 27 sites. The first site was launched during December in Whangārei, and will be followed by sites in Kaikohe, Hamilton, Taumarunui, and Whanganui in early 2025. I am further advised that Health NZ has also begun a project driving opportunistic immunisations for children who are inpatients or are attending outpatients in hospitals.