An outbreak in New Zealand in 2019 affected mostly Pacific and Māori children who had not been vaccinated and quickly spread throughout the community, resulting in over 2000 cases and over 700 hospital admissions. This showed the high risk amongst the Pacific community and highlighted the need to improve vaccinations.

Nursing manager for Etu Pasifika, Matty Teata, is encouraging families to take advantage of the free vaccination for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR Vaccine) to protect their households. More than 15 Etu Pasifika staff members are preparing to accommodate families, with no appointment needed and getting their shots administered in their cars.

“Like Covid-19, the measles is transmitted by droplets in the air and can rapidly spread.  There is no cure, and we encourage our at risk Pacific families to get the best protection, which is immunisation.

Our families share accommodation space and live in intergenerational homes and that is the fastest form of transmission within our communities.”

She encourages everyone under the age of 50 who have never had the vaccine before or cannot remember if they have been immunised, to get vaccinated.  She says the two injections needed, given 4 weeks apart,  gives 99% protection from catching measles and spreading it to the community.

“Some people maybe scared or worried about the vaccine. But this is the best protection that we have at the moment and is the best way to keep our families and community safe.”

Teata says the vaccinations have been such a priority for the area that they are open to not only providing this service to Pasifika families but also to other families within the wider community.