Source: ProCare
Leading healthcare provider ProCare is helping to drive up the number of tamariki getting vaccinated in response to the measles outbreak with the launch of a new outreach service. This service aligns with Measles Immunisation Week, which has renewed urgency to protect our youngest — and highlights the need for targeted health investment to help general practices reach more children.
By partnering with trusted Pacific health provider The Fono, this free outreach focuses on children who are Māori, Pacific, or living in high-deprivation (Q5) areas and have not yet received their first MMR vaccination. ProCare is also mobilising its own Ara Hauora outreach team to support the effort. Registered vaccinators will visit families at home on behalf of practices to engage whānau and encourage immunisation — helping to ensure no child is left behind.
However, resources are limited. A funding boost would help to fast-track the outreach and immunisation efforts, especially for hard-to-reach patients. This includes funding for additional outreach staff, mobile vaccination clinics, and tailored communications to engage whānau who may be hesitant or face access barriers.
ProCare supports a network of more than 140 general practices caring for around 700,000 patients, including 150,000 Māori and Pacific people in Auckland.
Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at ProCare says the current system places a heavy burden on already stretched practices, and without additional support, vulnerable children risk missing out.
“Last year we vaccinated more than 14,000 tamariki against preventable illnesses. We don’t want any child to miss out on the MMR vaccine which is why we’ve launched this new offering. However, we also can’t afford to pull resources away from other essential health services,” says Norwell.
“Behind the scenes, practices are investing time and effort to check health records, phone whānau, and have meaningful conversations about immunisation. This work needs to be recognised, resourced, and funded appropriately. We’re advocating for targeted funding boosts during outbreaks like this so we don’t need to compromise care elsewhere.”
ProCare is also providing tailored data tools to help identify tamariki who aren’t fully protected.
Dr Allan Moffitt, Clinical Director at ProCare, says the approach is about making immunisation accessible by taking the services to people, and empowering families to make informed decisions.
“We’re taking immunisation to the people. By meeting whānau where they are, we can help protect tamariki and their wider whānau from the serious risks of measles, especially those who might otherwise miss out.”
“Measles spreads easily and can affect family members who haven’t had their MMR immunisations. This outreach means we can connect with families who might otherwise miss out and give them the support they need to protect their tamariki.”
ProCare has also shared new resources with its network, including guidance on how to talk with vaccine-hesitant patients and navigate declined immunisations. A toolkit from Health New Zealand is also available to help practices raise awareness within their communities.
“This is about practical support,” says Norwell. “We know practices are under immense pressure, so it’s our role to step in and provide solutions. But we need the system to back us with targeted funding that enables outreach teams to scale up quickly, without pulling resources away from other essential services. It’s about protecting tamariki now — and building a more responsive immunisation system for the future.”
About ProCare
As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz
