Taranaki Māori hit 90% first dose milestone

11 February 2022

The Taranaki COVID-19 Vaccination programme has reached a hard-won milestone with 90% of Māori living in Taranaki now partially vaccinated – with only 709 second doses needed to reach 90% fully vaccinated.

Programme senior responsible officer Bevan Clayton-Smith said: “This achievement is testament to the spirit of collaboration between Te Aranga, our Māori health providers Tui Ora, Ngāti Ruanui and Ngāruahine, Ngā Iwi o Taranaki, Taranaki DHB, GP clinics and community pharmacies to deliver this programme to the people of Taranaki.

“The hard mahi continues as we remain focused on the 95% target for Māori set last year, with an emphasis on vaccinating tamariki and maintaining the progress with booster shots.

“With Omicron breathing down our necks, ensuring equitable vaccination rates across the rohe is vital to protect our whole Taranaki community.”

Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa Chair Liana Poutu is pleased this milestone has been reached and encourages whānau to continue to get their vaccinations and boosters, if they haven’t already.

“We have come so far and it’s important we acknowledge this. Last August Māori in Taranaki were at only 31% vaccinated. We would like to thank the tireless work of all kaimahi - nurses, kaiarahi and support workers throughout the region for helping us to achieve 90%.”

Since the roll-out of the 5-11-year-old programme in mid-January, more than 4000 children have been vaccinated, and more than half of those eligible have received their booster dose.

Clinics remain busy, with1496 doses administered yesterday ( 1463 of them adult boosters and 33 paediatric doses). People are encouraged to book through Book My Vaccine, or by calling 0800 28 29 26 to reduce waiting times.