Free Measles Vaccination Clinic Aims to Close Critical Immunisation Gaps

Strategic Insights -

InformationNZ is hosting a free measles vaccination clinic open to the entire community, with a strong focus on supporting Pacific and Maori families who face unique challenges in accessing healthcare. The clinic aims to prevent further measles outbreaks, particularly in regions with historically lower vaccination rates. By creating a safe and welcoming space, the clinic aims to remove barriers to vaccination, including cost, transport, trust in the system, limited health literacy, and a lack of clear understanding about vaccination benefits. The clinic is open to all, with no appointment needed, and will offer free MMR vaccinations for children, teens, and adults.

Key Takeaways:

  • The measles vaccination clinic is open to all members of the community, with a specific focus on supporting Pacific and Maori families.
  • The clinic aims to close critical immunisation gaps and prevent further measles outbreaks, particularly in regions with historically lower vaccination rates.
  • Pacific and Maori whanau face unique challenges in accessing healthcare, including cost, transport, trust in the system, limited health literacy, and a lack of clear understanding about vaccination benefits.
  • The clinic offers free MMR vaccinations for children, teens, and adults, with no appointment needed.
  • Local health providers are supporting the clinic by providing vaccinators and ensuring it meets national safety standards and aligns with broader public health goals.
  • InformationNZ is also delivering education workshops in churches and community hubs to inform communities about the benefits of vaccination, answer questions, and build trust through culturally grounded conversations.
  • The clinic is hosted in partnership with ConnectNZ, offering fun and inclusive activities for the community while they wait for their jab and during the post-vaccination stand-down period.
  • Muliagatele Bella Bartley, CEO of InformationNZ, emphasized that bringing clinics closer to home is vital, and that the clinic is designed to keep tamariki entertained, support whanau wellbeing, and create a positive and relaxed environment.

Statistics:

  • The clinic will offer free MMR vaccinations for children, teens, and adults.
  • The clinic is open to all members of the community, with no appointment needed.
  • Local health providers are supporting the clinic by providing vaccinators and ensuring it meets national safety standards.
  • The clinic aims to prevent measles outbreaks and related complications, such as hospitalisations and strain on the health system.
  • According to Muliagatele Bella Bartley, preventing measles will save lives and reduce costs in the health system later on.

Sources:

  • [InformationNZ](https://www.information.co.nz)
  • [ConnectNZ](https://www.connect.co.nz)
  • [Quote from Muliagatele Bella Bartley, CEO of InformationNZ]