Health Ministry Must Move On Maori

New Zealand First is urging the Minister of Health to ensure that Maori health providers are adequately resourced to deliver the meningococcal B vaccine to all children in their region.

“The health select committee was told yesterday that the immunisation rate among Maori is low for the first stage of the programme,” said Maori Affairs spokesperson Pita Paraone.

“Ministry officials believe that the low figures are more to do with provision and accessibility than parental resistance or opposition to vaccination. Therefore it’s up to the Ministry to provide ease of access to this vital programme.

“If the Pacific population can achieve 90 percent coverage for the first dose, there’s no reason why Maori shouldn’t reach a similar level.

“Maori health providers and the Ministry must work together to guarantee a positive outcome for Maori on this programme.

“It’s a monumental task to vaccinate every child and young person in New Zealand, but it’s achievable, and it’s crucial that no child misses out,” said Mr Paraone.

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