Rapid immunisation catch-up campaign in Waikato

Waikato DHB wants to boost immunisation rates ahead of what is predicted to be a tough winter.

The DHB is now expanding what is offered at its Covid-19 community vaccination sites to include free influenza and MMR immunisations to those eligible.

GPs and pharmacies are also providing vaccination services for MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella), influenza and whooping cough.

Influenza immunisations are now free to those aged 65 and over, Ma¯ori and Pacific people aged 55 and over, adults with health conditions such as asthma and diabetes, children aged 4 years or under who have a history of significant respiratory illness, and pregnant women. Those who do not qualify for the funded vaccine are encouraged to buy one through their chosen provider.

“Our borders being closed for two years protected us from influenza, but now they’ve re-opened we will be exposed to new flu variants along with other viruses such as measles,” says Dr Felicity Dumble, WDHB Medical Officer of Health.

“We need vaccination rates of 95 per cent to reach ‘community immunity’ sometimes known as ‘herd immunity’ to help prevent outbreaks of diseases such as measles, mumps and rubella.”

“Disease outbreaks can have serious consequences for families and communities. Those who are not immunised, whether that’s by choice or other circumstances, are worst affected by these outbreaks.”

With the reduced prevalence of flu and measles and a focus on Covid-19, immunisation rates have dropped since 2020. National and local campaigns are underway to encourage people to get protected.

Ministry of Health data shows a pronounced drop in childhood immunisation coverage from 2020, disproportionately among lower socio-economic groups and Ma¯ori, and particularly for MMR vaccinations at 12-months and 15-months.

There is also an ongoing campaign to get teenagers and young adults fully immunised against measles as some have missed one or both recommended doses of MMR vaccine.

For information on booster vaccinations visitcovid19. govt.nz/covid-19-vaccines/ how-to-get-a-covid19-vaccination/gettingyour-booster-dose/

For information on Influenza vaccinations visit fightflu.co.nz