Pātiki and Waharua Kōpito patterns
A vaccination drive held during World Immunisation Week by Etu Pasifika Canterbury saw some fabulous results, with 480 vaccinations administered.
Etu Pasifika is an integrated primary care, mental health and wellbeing healthcare service with locations in Auckland, South Auckland and Christchurch. They provide a range of support services delivered by Pacific health professionals, trained and skilled community workers and cultural navigators.
Etu Pasifika Canterbury Clinical Director Dr Ah Mu said that leading up to winter, it’s important that the community know how important it is to get immunised.” "The turnout was amazing, and we loved having the community support the event. It was so encouraging to see families so willing to be immunised.”
The event was held at Te Aratai College, and people could get immunised against COVID-19, measles mumps and rubella (MMR) and the flu.
The Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Pacific Health Te Waipounamu team attended the event. Erolia Leinatioletuitoga Eteuati-Rooney, Regional Director, Pacific Health, says the success of this event shows how these types of drives are so important to our Pacific communities.
“It’s all about providing healthcare that’s in line with traditional Pacific values, like family, service, reciprocity, love and respect. It was such a welcoming, friendly environment, with food available, music playing and children’s activities—so people could turn up with their families and all take part together.
“Pacific healthcare providers know best about how to reach out to their own communities, and Etu Pasifika Canterbury did a wonderful job at this event. They even told me that they had to go back to their clinic twice to get more flu vaccinations—what a great result.”
Etu Pasifika Canterbury is now planning their next event, which will take place in June.
