Northland's Child Immunisation Rates Plummet to 62.3%, Sparking Measles Outbreak
Northland's child immunisation rates have plummeted to 62.3%, sparking a measles outbreak and prompting pop-up clinics and extra investment. The Government acknowledges more work is needed to meet health promises, despite achieving three out of five milestones in the first year.
The Ministry of Health has reported that only 82% of children aged 24 months are fully immunised this quarter, falling short of the 95% target. Northland has been particularly affected, with vaccination rates dropping due to the measles outbreak. The Government has attributed improvements in other areas to the Elective Boost plan and frontline staff.
In positive news, 62% of patients are waiting less than four months for a first specialist assessment, and 63.9% are waiting the same for elective treatments, meeting these milestones. Additionally, 90% of cancer patients receive treatment within 31 days of the decision to treat. However, the Government has missed the target for emergency department performance, with only 73.9% of patients admitted, discharged, or transferred within six hours.
While the Government has met three out of five health milestones in the first year, it acknowledges more work is needed, particularly in improving child immunisation rates in Northland. Pop-up clinics and additional investment have been planned to combat the measles outbreak and boost vaccination numbers. The Government continues to attribute improvements to the Elective Boost plan and the dedication of frontline staff.
