Following the significant drop in childhood immunisations during the past four years due to covid, there is now significant work to do to catch up. Committed to turning the dial, ProCare is proud to announce a new immunisation campaign to increase childhood immunisations rates, in particular Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Bindi Norwell, Group CEO at ProCare, says: “With the recent return of measles in the country, it is crucial we are getting our tamariki immunised, particularly with the MMR vaccine. This will give them the best start to life and grant parents peace of mind that their little one is protected.
“Our practices have risen to the task and are doing their best to get whānau in for their immunisations – from phoning overdue patients, giving vouchers to whānau who bring their tamariki in to be immunised, and offering flexible appointment times. They are working extremely hard to reach as many patients as possible which is just wonderful to see,” Norwell concludes.
Dr Allan Moffitt, Clinical Director at ProCare, says: “Measles is extremely contagious and can be severe for all people but particularly young children, which is why we must continue to encourage parents andwhānau to get immunised when possible.
“Māori and Pacific children experience significantly higher cases of measles due to lower immunisation rates compared to other ethnic groups. Currently our 8-month Māori tamariki are sitting at 79% immunised, and our Pacific tamariki are at 81% immunised. Our target level is at least 85%, so the current immunisations rates are leaving our children vulnerable.
“We want this campaign to encourage conversation within whānau and empower them to seek out more information from their GP or nurse to make an informed decision,” concludes Dr Moffitt.
The MMR vaccine is not just for young children. It is important for adults to find out their immunisation status from their GP and receive a free vaccination if they were born after 1969.
Notes
For details on the National Immunisation Schedule, click here https://assets.website-files.com/637315ab5c5af14ee5809c17/63fe9858a2c7ecb75597046f_Immune_Schedule_03-23.pdf
About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to more than 830,000 people across Auckland and Northland. 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
