A combined effort by Wairarapa health providers has resulted in over 35 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers being vaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

The initiative was led by Pasifika O Wairarapa Trust, in partnership with Duncan’s Pharmacy, which provided two vaccinators, and supported by the Tū Ora Compass Health Pacific team and the Health NZ’s Wairarapa Pacific Health Partnership and Network lead. 

The RSE workers were from Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. The Trust provided an interpreter who helped with the language barrier and translation of information for the workers who largely spoke Bislama and Solomon Islands Pidgin.

The Trust started working with Wairarapa employers of  RSE workers during the first COVID-19 border closure. They were concerned for the health and wellbeing of the workers and wanted to ensure that they wouldn’t fall through any gaps.

Trust General Manager Luther Toloa says that the initial interactions with the RSE workers were about ensuring they had emotional support and the essentials such as food and clothing.

“They couldn’t go home, and they couldn’t work, and no one knew how long the border would be closed. As the virus spread, we had a large group of Wairarapa RSE workers who became sick after struggling to understand the public health advice.  

“Our learning from this was that we needed to engage more proactively with the workers about their health, including communicating in their language and ensuring the advice was well understood. When COVID-19 vaccinations were rolled out, we worked collaboratively with the employers to get the RSE workers vaccinated and the MMR programme is an evolution of what we did during the pandemic,” says Luther.

“These workers are important to our economy, and we should ensure they are looked after when in New Zealand. Good health outcomes come from building positive relationships with our Pasifika communities, and we are proud of the collaboration between the Wairarapa health providers to roll out these vaccination programmes and get important health advice out to the Pasifika community.”

Eseta Manesa, Pacific Regional Advisor, Te Ikaroa Central, National Public Health Service says, “The MMR initiative came from the National Public Health Service as part of supporting the wellbeing and health of RSE workers.”

“To reflect our Pacific values, a koha of food was provided by all the Pacific health workers to show the RSE workers our appreciation of their time and for welcoming us into their space. We were also thankful for them allowing us to do our work by protecting them, their families, and our Pacific Island communities when they return home by ensuring they are vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella. 

“The combined effort of all involved with this project ensured the workers were given the information needed to make informed decisions to be immunised.”

ENDS