MMR vaccination drive underway in Tāmaki Makaurau

Vaccination efforts are ramping up this weekend following recent announcements of two measles cases in Auckland this week.

Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora are strongly encouraging everyone who has not had their MMR vaccine to get themselves and their tamariki immunised this weekend by visiting their local participating pharmacy or one of the pop-up clinics across the Auckland region.

“Measles is a highly infectious illness and can make people very unwell. It spreads very easily amongst people who have not had measles before, or who have not been immunised,” says Selah Hart, Deputy Chief Executive Public and Population Health for Te Aka Whai Ora.

“Babies and young children are particularly at risk, and one of the best ways you can protect them is by ensuring the whānau around them are vaccinated.”

The MMR vaccine is offered to tamariki on the schedule at 12 months and 15 months.

For those who missed out on their MMR immunisations, it’s free for everyone under 18 years old – it does not matter what your visa or citizenship status is. This includes visitors to Aotearoa New Zealand.

For people over 18 years old, the MMR vaccine is free if you’re a permanent citizen or resident, or eligible for free healthcare in New Zealand.

If you’re not sure that you’ve had two doses, play it safe and get vaccinated. There are no safety concerns with having an extra dose.  

“We will continue to see measles cases coming into Aotearoa, which is why it’s so important for you, your tamariki and your whānau to be immunised. The vaccine is safe, free and effective,” adds Selah. 

While we are particularly encouraging uptake of the MMR vaccination this weekend, whooping cough, flu and the new COVID-19 bivalent vaccines will also be available at pop-up clinics and participating pharmacies in preparation for winter.

People can also book in at their GP, practice nurse or local health provider.

To find out more about vaccination providers in your area (including participating pharmacies), visit: https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/ or for more information, visit immunise.health.nz/measles.

A range of pop-up vaccination clinics are taking place this weekend led by hauora Māori and Pacific providers:

Saturday 6 May

• Te Whānau O Waipareira at Whānau House, 6/8 Pioneer Street, Henderson
• Health West at Youth Health Hub, 49 Lincoln Road, Henderson until 3pm
• Whānau Ora Community Clinic, 258 Puhinui Road, Papatoetoe until 4pm
• Pasefika Family Health Group at St Anne’s Catholic Parish, 126 Russell Rd Manurewa until 2pm

Sunday 7 May

• Te Whānau O Waipareira at Whānau House, 6/8 Pioneer Street, Henderson