Measles outbreak highlights health sector flaws

A south Auckland doctor says the measles epidemic is a reminder of the need to make sure the whole health system delivers for those who need it.

Dr Rawiri Jansen says the epidemic appears to have peaked in Auckland, but cases are now coming to light in other parts of the country, including Waikato, Otago and Queenstown.

People in those areas need to make sure their babies are immunised on time and those who missed out in the past get shots, especially those in the 15 to 29 age group.

That's a reminder the blame for the epidemic lies in part with the immunisation system back then that failed to ensure many whānau were vaccinated.

"That’s a kind of a lesson for us as we go through. There are going to be more health issues as we work on having healthy, happy whānau and we should be really clear about it. We want a health system that meets our needs, our whānau deserve it, our whānau are entitled to it, and we should keep pushing for it to happen," Dr Jensen says.

There's now a lot more effort being made in south Auckland to ensure immunisation is done on time and all pregnant women have access to a midwife.

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