April 17, 2023
Community shift needed to up immunisation rates
The director of the Immunisation Advisory Centre, which is responsible for vaccinator training and support, is welcoming a call for a community-centred approach to boosting immunisation rates.
A report by the independent Immunisation Taskforce warns of historically low rates of childhood immunisation, and makes 54 recommendations covering funding, delivery, technology, communications, and governance across the programme.
Loretta Roberts says Covid showed we can lift vaccination rates quickly with the right focus, flexibility of approach and resourcing.
She says her centre is doing its part.
“We’re continuing to work very closely with Māori, Pacific and other health providers to ensure we can support these services that have greater equitable and better outcomes for everyone and being able to support those actual vaccinators with their education to deliver the services that really do meet the needs of our whanau and the community,” Ms Roberts says.
Government agencies, primary health, pharmacies, communities and whanau all have a role in increasing immunisation rates.