Plunket staff will be trained to vaccinate in areas with low coverage as the Government pushes to increase childhood immunisations.
In a statement this morning, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello revealed that $1 million would be invested in the programme.
It would see Health New Zealand partnering with Whānau Āwhina Plunket to train its workforce and set up immunisation services at 27 sites across the country.
Reti said the plan was a part of the Government’s effort to ensure 95% of children at two years old were fully immunised.
“A key part of our plan to increase childhood immunisations is expanding the workforce able to deliver vaccinations, including midwives and pharmacies, so people can access vaccinations wherever they go to get healthcare,” he said.
“With existing clinical infrastructure and professional networks, Whānau Āwhina Plunket is perfectly placed to put this funding to use and start vaccinating children very soon. For example, Whangārei, the first site, expects to be able to deliver childhood immunisations by the end of 2024.”
Costello, who is Associate Minister for maternity health, said Plunket’s nurses were specialist health professionals who supported women and families in the first days and weeks of a baby’s life.
She said Plunket was already supporting families in making informed decisions about immunisation, which was why the initiative made sense.
“The pilot will allow for Plunket to deliver vaccinations alongside in-clinic Well Child visits, at dedicated immunisation clinics, at community events and eventually in homes,” she said.
“It’s natural step for Plunket to work alongside colleagues and partners, including Hauora Māori partners, Pacific providers, general practice and pharmacists to make it easy for parents to get their children vaccinated.”