Latest news with #ImmunisationAdvisoryCentre
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Life-threatening disease erupts on Australia's doorstep as urgent travel warning is issued
Deadly dengue fever outbreaks have been rising amongst Australia's Pacific neighbours, prompting a travel warning for holidaymakers. The Cook Islands declared the most recent outbreak of the disease after 19 cases of the disease, including two active cases, were recorded as of June 6. Case counts have also been increasing in Samoa, Tonga, French Polynesia, Fiji and Kiribati. Some of the affected nations have several recorded deaths from the disease. Fiji has recorded four deaths from just under 8,000 cases; Tonga recorded three from more than 790 cases; and Samoa recorded one from 110 cases. The director of the Public Health Division at the Pacific Community (SPC) said climate change expanding mosquito habitats and increased regional and international travel were increasing the risk of virus transmission. 'There is a growing incidence of severe dengue amongst children and youth with no prior dengue exposure,' Dr Berlin Kafoa said. 'There are older adults coming from areas historically free of dengue. This suggests immunity gaps. 'Severe cases and fatalities are being reported, especially among youth.' Immunisation Advisory Centre medical advisor Dr Joan Ingram warned the spread of the disease could put travellers at risk. 'Estimates are that around six in 1000 travellers spending a month in a risk area become unwell with dengue, with up to 20 per cent of them being hospitalised,' she said. 'Globally, dengue cases were at a very high level in 2024, particularly in South America. Cases increased almost 30-fold there between 2000 and 2024. 'Urbanisation, globalisation and climate change have contributed to this increase.' Dengue fever is spread by various biting species of 'Aedes' mosquitos which thrive in the same areas as humans. It can develop into severe dengue which is a medical emergency which requires hospital treatment and can cause deaths. Experts recommend those in areas of dengue fever outbreaks take precautions to avoid the mosquitos. 'Aedes mosquitoes are daytime feeders, with two peak times of biting activity two to three hours after dawn, and mid-to-late afternoon,' Dr Ingram said. 'However, they may feed all day indoors or on overcast days.' 'People should regularly apply effective repellent as well as using light-coloured clothing to cover up. In addition, they should take steps to reduce mosquitoes indoors – such as screens on windows and doors – and in the environment by emptying any water-holding containers.' The World Mosquito Program senior director of field entomology, Dr Gregor Devine, said current mosquito control methods were only having a 'limited impact'. Impacted nations have resorted to enacting clean-up campaigns to try control the outbreaks and using insecticides, though 'resistance to insecticides is increasingly documented in the Pacific'. He warned effective vaccines were 'years away' from being universally available and affordable. However, Dr Devine said 'a safe, effective and sustainable solution exists'. 'The Wolbachia method, developed by the non-profit World Mosquito Program, involves releasing mosquitoes infected with a bacteria that reduces their ability to transmit dengue,' he said. 'Following six years of Wolbachia mosquito releases in New Caledonia, the project has been hailed a monumental success, and the French territory hasn't had a dengue epidemic since 2019.' The government's Smartraveller website warned a higher-than-usual number of cases of Dengue fever have been reported around the world, particularly in developing nations. Outbreaks have been recorded in Africa, Asia, Central and South America and the Pacific. 'This includes places popular with Australians, such as: Indonesia, including Bali; Malaysia; Singapore; and Peru,' the website read.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
What Goes Into Making Our Seasonal Flu Jab? – Expert Q+A
How are the eggs to make traditional seasonal flu vaccines procured and kept safe from other pathogens, like avian influenza? Why do seasonal flu vaccines work better some years than others? And what other kinds of flu jabs are there? Most seasonal influenza vaccines are made using chicken eggs. The SMC asked experts for background on seasonal flu vaccine manufacture and alternatives to the standard jab. Dr Mary Nowlan, Senior Advisor, Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC), comments: Where do the eggs come from to make the seasonal influenza vaccine? 'Egg-based influenza vaccine manufacture is a well-established process, with chicken eggs being the preferred medium to grow viruses since the 1950s. 'Large quantities of eggs are produced in specific pathogen-free chicken colonies. These are controlled environments in which the hens and the eggs are closely monitored, which means that every step is taken to ensure that these animals are not at risk of being infected by bird influenza strains (including H5N1).' Why do influenza vaccines work better some years than others? 'Predicting and matching exact influenza strains is an imperfect science, and vaccines that are developed are not always a perfect match for the circulating virus. 'Growing enough virus for millions of doses of vaccine is a slow process, particularly in eggs. As the virus grows in eggs, small changes occur in the virus – known as 'egg-adaption'. This can mean that the virus produced does not completely match the circulating virus, thereby potentially reducing the effectiveness of the vaccine. 'Another reason that the vaccine effectiveness can alter each year is that the wild virus strains have also mutated over the six months since they were selected for the vaccine and a mismatch can also occur. Advances in technology to analyse the circulating strains may have mitigated that risk to some degree, but the unpredictability of influenza virus evolution means mismatches still occur.' How is it decided which strains are covered by the flu vaccines for the upcoming flu season? 'As the influenza virus continually mutates, vaccine production must take this into account and adjust the virus strains for the following influenza season. 'The Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System collates data from the WHO Collaborating Centres, who in turn receive data from the National Influenza Centres (ESR in New Zealand). 'This provides data for both the Southern and the Northern Hemispheres to help to predict which influenza strains are likely to circulate during their respective flu seasons each year. 'At around six months before the next influenza season, the WHO holds a meeting (in October and April – one for each hemisphere) to decide on the composition of upcoming influenza virus vaccines. Once this has happened, production of the next year's vaccine begins. 'The reason that influenza vaccine is recommended annually is due the constant changes in the influenza virus strains, and therefore the vaccine needs to alter in response. Protection only lasts for a short time.' What are the alternatives to the standard flu vaccine? 'All the current seasonal influenza vaccines rely on recommendation from the WHO as to which influenza strains are included. Vaccines available in New Zealand include a cell-based vaccine, in which the virus is grown in cell culture rather than eggs, and an 'adjuvanted' vaccine, in which a naturally occurring compound (squalene) is added to induce a stronger immune response in older people who may have a weaker immune response than young adults. 'Further vaccines available internationally but not New Zealand include recombinant influenza vaccines, in which the surface proteins of the virus are produced artificially rather than being isolated from whole viruses. Also available in the Northern Hemisphere is a live attenuated influenza vaccine that is given through a nasal spray, usually to children.' Why should we be concerned about bird flu in New Zealand? 'Birds, particularly wading birds, carry influenza virus in their guts. Usually this does not make the birds sick. However, some forms of avian flu have become deadly. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is of significant concern, not only for the risk of spread to humans but for wild and domestic birds and other animals such as livestock. H5N1 is just one strain of avian influenza that can mutate to make animals sick. It has also infected humans who were exposed to sick animals. 'As well as concerns about infection in birds, livestock, and marine mammals in New Zealand, a big concern in humans would be if a HPAI infected someone who is also infected with the seasonal influenza virus. The risk is that the influenza viruses would combine into a strain that is transmissible between humans. This has the potential to cause a pandemic. People who work with animals are encouraged to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine each year to reduce this risk.' No conflicts declared. Dr Lisa Connor, Programme Leader, Infection and Vaccinology Group, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, comments: Could the ongoing impact of the H5N1 avian flu pandemic on raised chickens overseas have flow-on effects on influenza vaccine availability in NZ? 'One widely used influenza vaccine in New Zealand is the Tetra Fluvac, which provides protection against four different flu virus variants. This vaccine is produced using eggs and is available for free to eligible New Zealanders, making it an accessible and effective option. 'However, it is important to note that there are also other flu vaccines available on the market that do not rely on egg-based production. These vaccines are made using cell cultures and, while not currently funded by the NZ government, they are an alternative for those who require or prefer them. These non-egg-based vaccines are available in New Zealand but are typically more expensive, as they are not covered by the public funding system. 'H5N1, the avian influenza strain, is a significant concern, especially for our bird population, including chickens. Thus, there is the potential to disrupt egg production and, consequently, vaccine production. Fortunately, the availability of cell culture-based vaccines ensures that there are safe, effective, and approved alternatives on the market that do not depend on eggs. This flexibility is reassuring, as it means that if egg production were to be impacted by H5N1 or other factors, we have viable options to ensure continued vaccine supply. 'Overall, the current flu vaccines, including the egg-based Tetra Fluvac can lower the risk of infection and reduce severity of disease from influenza, and many New Zealanders are eligible for free vaccination. Should the situation evolve and potential shortages arise, the availability of mammalian cell culture-based vaccines offers a solid backup. We are fortunate that there are multiple, effective vaccine options in New Zealand, ensuring that the public remains well-prepared to limit infection from influenza, regardless of future challenges.' No conflicts of interest. Natalie Netzler PhD, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, comments: 'The current egg-based vaccines are produced in a manufacturing system that is over 70 years old. However, there is a lengthy lead time needed to secure the eggs required to make the egg-based flu vaccine. 'Following the 2009 influenza pandemic we had a shortage of egg-based vaccines due to a number of issues including slow virus growth of the pandemic strain in eggs and a very high demand coupled with the slow manufacturing process. 'Given that our Indigenous populations all over the world face higher rates of severe influenza compared to non-indigenous groups in the same regions, it is important that we have sufficient vaccine supplies to protect our unique Māori and Pacific communities here in Aotearoa NZ. 'The development of cell-based influenza vaccines is gaining traction. While there are some challenges posed by these newer flu vaccines including higher costs of production, and limited global availability, there are several advantages of cell-based vaccines over egg-based flu shots. These include faster and more predictable rates of production and being able to offer an egg-free option. 'Although our current influenza vaccines are not perfect in that they don't always stop you getting the flu altogether, they do offer protection against severe flu and are highly recommended for those at risk of severe disease, no matter which type of flu vaccine you get.' Conflict of interest statement: 'I work with several Pacific and Māori organisations and health providers to support our communities to make informed decisions on immunisation.' Sue Huang, Director, WHO National Influenza Centre, Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), comments: What strains are covered in this year's flu vaccines? 'The southern hemisphere influenza vaccines to be used in NZ in 2025: Egg-based vaccines: • an A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus; • an A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2)-like virus; and • a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus. Cell culture-, recombinant protein- or nucleic acid-based vaccines • an A/Wisconsin/67/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus; • an A/District of Columbia/27/2023 (H3N2)-like virus; and • a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus. The recommendation for the B/Yamagata lineage component of quadrivalent influenza vaccines remains unchanged from previous recommendations: • a B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus. 'Interestingly, the influenza vaccine strains recommended by WHO in February 2025 for the use for northern hemisphere countries in 2025-2026 are the same as the NZ's vaccine strains to be used in 2025. This suggests that our vaccine strains match well with the current circulating viruses which would give us optimal protection. Influenza vaccination is the primary tool to protection us against influenza, particularly for those vulnerable groups (elderly, and individuals with underlying conditions). 'At the moment, influenza activity is still at a low level. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 is the predominant strain followed by influenza B and A(H3N2). For details, see here.'
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Healthcare Providers Funding Immunisations Out Of Own Pockets, Health NZ Admits ‘Work To Do'
Article – RNZ Health NZ admits there is still some work to do, as Mori and Pacific immunisation providers say funding is too low to cover services. Māori and Pacific immunisation providers say funding is too low to cover services, with many babies still at risk going into winter. One-year contracts and 'piecemeal' arrangements are making it tough to build sustainable services. The Immunisation Advisory Centre says funding does not cover 'hidden costs' for hard-to-reach communities. Health NZ says a range of funding models are in place, but admits there's still work to do. Some Māori and Pacific healthcare providers say they are losing money on vital immunisation services for high-need communities due to funding shortfalls. In the Far North, Te Hiku Hauora Māori health service has pooled resources with a couple of smaller providers to take immunisations on the road. Chief executive Maria Baker said they discovered Health NZ had an immunisation van in Auckland, which was 'surplus to requirements'. 'So we reached out to get that van, and we've been really lucky to hire it. So we lease a tailor-made immunisation van that we lovingly call 'the Moko Van'.' Since its first community event in Kaitaia last April, the immunisation outreach programme, Hapaitia Ngā Mokopuna, has 'engaged' with more than a thousand whānau. Baker said its focus was pēpi and tamariki – 'since they are the most vulnerable' – but it immunises anyone who needs it, from rangatahi to kuia and kaumatua. 'For me, as CEO of the organisation, finances should not ever be a barrier for healthcare. So we pay for it.' The lead vaccinator, a registered nurse, often dealt with non-immunisation related health problems for patients who popped into the van, especially in rural areas where primary care was in short supply. Hapaitia Ngā Mokopuna received some funding – but that fell well short of what it actually provided, Baker said. 'Even though we've been really lucky to lease the van that we're using from Health NZ, we've had to purchase the fridge, we've had to purchase the medications. We also support other people's training.' The organisation had chosen to invest in the service from its own resources because the need was so great. 'And it's been important for us to do that. But honestly, immunisation should be a regular, consistent part of any primary healthcare service in New Zealand, and they should not be funded via one-year contracts.' It was not enough to simply impose an external target when it came to immunisation in those 'hard to reach' communities, she said, it had to be about 'relationship'. 'It's more than just a target, it's more than just putting a contract in a location. There's a whole range of different things that need to happen around it for it to be suitable for that community.' The government target is for 95 percent of two-year-olds to be fully-vaccinated by 2030. In the three months to the end of December, coverage was 77 percent, and lower still for Māori (63.5 percent) and for Pacific babies (under 69 percent). Midwives spend own money to keep immunisation service going In Papatoetoe, Niu Life Midwives – a small collective of independent midwives – has spent more than $5000 since August last year renting space for its vaccination service. That was when its two-year contract under the Counties Manukau Maternal and Immunisation programme came to an end, after the Covid-19 surplus funding ran out. Niu Life's clinic (which topped the country for vaccinating pregnant Pacific women) was downgraded to two days a week, appointment only, 9am to 2:30pm. Spokesperson Linda Burke is thrilled that as of last month, the clinic is back up to four days a week – and Health NZ has agreed to cover the cost, including rent. 'I'm just relieved it's done. It's trying to prevent something that's going to relieve the strain on the health system, which is already overburdened as it is.' The new contract was arranged after persistent lobbying by Niu LIfe. 'I was never prepared to let such a wonderful service come to a halt, especially as we continually topped New Zealand stats for immunisations. Every service needs to be accessible to the people in their communities, this was Te Whatu Ora's vision.' The Immunisation Advisory Centre's medical director, Nikki Turner, said funding for providers was adequate for 'straight-forward' patients. 'But if you're giving a complex catch up programme or multiple vaccines all at once, the funding does not cover that. The time it takes to reach out to the families, to communicate, to support them through that, to vaccinate – there are a lot of hidden costs that are not covered by the current subsidy.' 'More work to do' – Health NZ The National Public Health Service's acting national director, Vince Barry, said Health New Zealand acknowledged 'the incredible work' of its provider and primary care partners across the country, who were 'working tirelessly to increase access and boost childhood immunisation rates'. 'While there is more work to do, there are a range of funding models in place across provider types to support their efforts,' he said. The agency had increased the administration fee for childhood immunisations on the National Immunisation Schedule in July last year, from $36.05 to $41.20 per immunisation event. As well as receiving funding for their enrolled patients, general practice could also claim 'performance based funding'. In 2024, Health NZ also introduced additional one-off funding to support best practice pre-call and recall activities. 'This was also to acknowledge the extra work required, and to support capability and capacity building for the delivery of childhood immunisations.' For providers, Health NZ had invested $12.1 million in the 2023/24 financial year to boost capacity of Pacific providers to immunise. A two-year $50 million package to resource Māori health providers to lift immunisation rates, particularly among children and older people, is set to end in December.
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Healthcare Providers Funding Immunisations Out Of Own Pockets, Health NZ Admits 'Work To Do'
Māori and Pacific immunisation providers say funding is too low to cover services, with many babies still at risk going into winter. One-year contracts and "piecemeal" arrangements are making it tough to build sustainable services. The Immunisation Advisory Centre says funding does not cover "hidden costs" for hard-to-reach communities. Health NZ says a range of funding models are in place, but admits there's still work to do. Some Māori and Pacific healthcare providers say they are losing money on vital immunisation services for high-need communities due to funding shortfalls. In the Far North, Te Hiku Hauora Māori health service has pooled resources with a couple of smaller providers to take immunisations on the road. Chief executive Maria Baker said they discovered Health NZ had an immunisation van in Auckland, which was "surplus to requirements". "So we reached out to get that van, and we've been really lucky to hire it. So we lease a tailor-made immunisation van that we lovingly call 'the Moko Van'." Since its first community event in Kaitaia last April, the immunisation outreach programme, Hapaitia Ngā Mokopuna, has "engaged" with more than a thousand whānau. Baker said its focus was pēpi and tamariki - "since they are the most vulnerable" - but it immunises anyone who needs it, from rangatahi to kuia and kaumatua. "For me, as CEO of the organisation, finances should not ever be a barrier for healthcare. So we pay for it." The lead vaccinator, a registered nurse, often dealt with non-immunisation related health problems for patients who popped into the van, especially in rural areas where primary care was in short supply. Hapaitia Ngā Mokopuna received some funding - but that fell well short of what it actually provided, Baker said. "Even though we've been really lucky to lease the van that we're using from Health NZ, we've had to purchase the fridge, we've had to purchase the medications. We also support other people's training." The organisation had chosen to invest in the service from its own resources because the need was so great. "And it's been important for us to do that. But honestly, immunisation should be a regular, consistent part of any primary healthcare service in New Zealand, and they should not be funded via one-year contracts." It was not enough to simply impose an external target when it came to immunisation in those "hard to reach" communities, she said, it had to be about "relationship". "It's more than just a target, it's more than just putting a contract in a location. There's a whole range of different things that need to happen around it for it to be suitable for that community." The government target is for 95 percent of two-year-olds to be fully-vaccinated by 2030. In the three months to the end of December, coverage was 77 percent, and lower still for Māori (63.5 percent) and for Pacific babies (under 69 percent). Midwives spend own money to keep immunisation service going In Papatoetoe, Niu Life Midwives - a small collective of independent midwives - has spent more than $5000 since August last year renting space for its vaccination service. That was when its two-year contract under the Counties Manukau Maternal and Immunisation programme came to an end, after the Covid-19 surplus funding ran out. Niu Life's clinic (which topped the country for vaccinating pregnant Pacific women) was downgraded to two days a week, appointment only, 9am to 2:30pm. Spokesperson Linda Burke is thrilled that as of last month, the clinic is back up to four days a week - and Health NZ has agreed to cover the cost, including rent. "I'm just relieved it's done. It's trying to prevent something that's going to relieve the strain on the health system, which is already overburdened as it is." The new contract was arranged after persistent lobbying by Niu LIfe. "I was never prepared to let such a wonderful service come to a halt, especially as we continually topped New Zealand stats for immunisations. Every service needs to be accessible to the people in their communities, this was Te Whatu Ora's vision." The Immunisation Advisory Centre's medical director, Nikki Turner, said funding for providers was adequate for "straight-forward" patients. "But if you're giving a complex catch up programme or multiple vaccines all at once, the funding does not cover that. The time it takes to reach out to the families, to communicate, to support them through that, to vaccinate - there are a lot of hidden costs that are not covered by the current subsidy." "More work to do" - Health NZ The National Public Health Service's acting national director, Vince Barry, said Health New Zealand acknowledged "the incredible work" of its provider and primary care partners across the country, who were "working tirelessly to increase access and boost childhood immunisation rates". "While there is more work to do, there are a range of funding models in place across provider types to support their efforts," he said. The agency had increased the administration fee for childhood immunisations on the National Immunisation Schedule in July last year, from $36.05 to $41.20 per immunisation event. As well as receiving funding for their enrolled patients, general practice could also claim "performance based funding". In 2024, Health NZ also introduced additional one-off funding to support best practice pre-call and recall activities. "This was also to acknowledge the extra work required, and to support capability and capacity building for the delivery of childhood immunisations." For providers, Health NZ had invested $12.1 million in the 2023/24 financial year to boost capacity of Pacific providers to immunise. A two-year $50 million package to resource Māori health providers to lift immunisation rates, particularly among children and older people, is set to end in December.
RNZ News
28-04-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Healthcare providers funding immunisations out of own pockets, Health NZ admits 'work to do'
(File) Immunisation Advisory Centre medical director Nikki Turner (right) says funding does not cover complex immunisation catch-ups or administering multiple vaccines all at once. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Some Māori and Pacific healthcare providers say they are losing money on vital immunisation services for high-need communities due to funding shortfalls. In the Far North, Te Hiku Hauora Māori health service has pooled resources with a couple of smaller providers to take immunisations on the road. Chief executive Maria Baker said they discovered Health NZ had an immunisation van in Auckland, which was "surplus to requirements". "So we reached out to get that van, and we've been really lucky to hire it. So we lease a tailor-made immunisation van that we lovingly call 'the Moko Van'." Since its first community event in Kaitaia last April, the immunisation outreach programme, Hapaitia Ngā Mokopuna, has "engaged" with more than a thousand whānau. Baker said its focus was pēpi and tamariki - "since they are the most vulnerable" - but it immunises anyone who needs it, from rangatahi to kuia and kaumatua. "For me, as CEO of the organisation, finances should not ever be a barrier for healthcare. So we pay for it." The lead vaccinator, a registered nurse, often dealt with non-immunisation related health problems for patients who popped into the van, especially in rural areas where primary care was in short supply. Hapaitia Ngā Mokopuna received some funding - but that fell well short of what it actually provided, Baker said. "Even though we've been really lucky to lease the van that we're using from Health NZ, we've had to purchase the fridge, we've had to purchase the medications. We also support other people's training." The organisation had chosen to invest in the service from its own resources because the need was so great. "And it's been important for us to do that. But honestly, immunisation should be a regular, consistent part of any primary healthcare service in New Zealand, and they should not be funded via one-year contracts." It was not enough to simply impose an external target when it came to immunisation in those "hard to reach" communities, she said, it had to be about "relationship". "It's more than just a target, it's more than just putting a contract in a location. There's a whole range of different things that need to happen around it for it to be suitable for that community." (File) Te Hiku Hauora chief executive Maria Baker. Photo: RNZ / Māni Dunlop The government target is for 95 percent of two-year-olds to be fully-vaccinated by 2030. In the three months to the end of December, coverage was 77 percent, and lower still for Māori (63.5 percent) and for Pacific babies (under 69 percent). In Papatoetoe, Niu Life Midwives - a small collective of independent midwives - has spent more than $5000 since August last year renting space for its vaccination service. That was when its two-year contract under the Counties Manukau Maternal and Immunisation programme came to an end, after the Covid-19 surplus funding ran out. Niu Life's clinic (which topped the country for vaccinating pregnant Pacific women) was downgraded to two days a week , appointment only, 9am to 2:30pm. Spokesperson Linda Burke is thrilled that as of last month, the clinic is back up to four days a week - and Health NZ has agreed to cover the cost, including rent. "I'm just relieved it's done. It's trying to prevent something that's going to relieve the strain on the health system, which is already overburdened as it is." The new contract was arranged after persistent lobbying by Niu LIfe. "I was never prepared to let such a wonderful service come to a halt, especially as we continually topped New Zealand stats for immunisations. Every service needs to be accessible to the people in their communities, this was Te Whatu Ora's vision." The Immunisation Advisory Centre's medical director, Nikki Turner, said funding for providers was adequate for "straight-forward" patients. "But if you're giving a complex catch up programme or multiple vaccines all at once, the funding does not cover that. The time it takes to reach out to the families, to communicate, to support them through that, to vaccinate - there are a lot of hidden costs that are not covered by the current subsidy." The National Public Health Service's acting national director, Vince Barry, said Health New Zealand acknowledged "the incredible work" of its provider and primary care partners across the country, who were "working tirelessly to increase access and boost childhood immunisation rates". "While there is more work to do, there are a range of funding models in place across provider types to support their efforts," he said. The agency had increased the administration fee for childhood immunisations on the National Immunisation Schedule in July last year, from $36.05 to $41.20 per immunisation event. As well as receiving funding for their enrolled patients, general practice could also claim "performance based funding". In 2024, Health NZ also introduced additional one-off funding to support best practice pre-call and recall activities. "This was also to acknowledge the extra work required, and to support capability and capacity building for the delivery of childhood immunisations." For providers, Health NZ had invested $12.1 million in the 2023/24 financial year to boost capacity of Pacific providers to immunise. A two-year $50 million package to resource Māori health providers to lift immunisation rates, particularly among children and older people, is set to end in December. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
