Govt lifts measles response
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is urging Kiwis to get immunised as New Zealand continues to grapple with its worst measles outbreak in more than 20 years.
Yesterday, Ardern responded to questions about the outbreak – there are now 778 reported cases in Auckland alone – while she was at Auckland City Hospital announcing new Government funding for cancer treatment.
She said the Government had acted to make more nurses available to provide communities with easier access to immunisation.
South Auckland would have an extra focus, she said. Nurses would visit churches and other community locations to make people aware on how to get immunised.
Ardern said New Zealand had not escaped the outbreak of measles occurring around the world – the World Health Organisation reported there was a 300 per cent increase in measles cases globally in the first quarter of 2019 compared with last year.
On Friday, Associate Health Minister Julie Anne Genter activated a National Health Coordination Centre (NHCC).
Genter said that despite 57,000 MMR vaccines being administered in the past six months a stronger response was needed.
‘‘The NHCC will work with Auckland’s DHBS and the Auckland Regional Public Health Service and strengthen the response.’’
Genter said children under the age of 5 who had not been vaccinated should be taken to their doctor for a free vaccination as soon as possible.
What you need to know
The number of confirmed cases in Auckland has been increasing rapidly since around April. The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has seen an average of 30 cases a day.
The vast majority of cases are located in the Counties Manukau DHB area, and the worst-affected age group is 20-29.
Currently, there are 778 cases across the region.
It’s the worst measles outbreak New Zealand has seen since a 1997 outbreak more than two decades ago.
The best way to stop the spread of measles and this disease infecting others is to get the MMR vaccination.
Free vaccinations were available at several locations in south Auckland at the weekend.