Associate Health Minister Julie Anne Genter and Peeni Henare say more kaumātua have been vaccinated this year than ever before as the result of a push to get more Māori immunised against influenza.
Ms Genter says pop-up clinics at marae, mobile clinics, and drive-through vaccine stations have helped bring the immunisation rate for Māori over 65 to 58 percent, compared to 45 per cent this time last year and 43 per cent the year before that.
Mr Henare says the increase in vaccinations meant hospitals could focus on preparing for COVID-19.
This year has seen the highest levels of funding for the flu vaccine with 1.76 million vaccines already distributed to general practices, pharmacists and other providers.
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