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In a major stride toward enhancing immunisation rates across Aotearoa, Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora enthusiastically welcome Health Minister Dr. Shane Reti’s recent announcement. The unveiling of innovative tools and funding promises not only to uplift Māori immunisation rates but to bolster immunisation endeavours for all infants in the country.
Dr Nick Chamberlain, National Public Health Service Director at Te Whatu Ora, underscores the significance of these advancements.
“The Minister’s revelation of two novel digital solutions marks a pivotal moment in our ability to streamline immunisation management. My Health Record and the expanded Aotearoa Immunisation Register (AIR) will empower health professionals to identify and address the most crucial vaccination needs efficiently.”
My Health Record, accessible via my.health.nz, presents a pivotal avenue for New Zealanders to access their health records seamlessly. The initial phase enables individuals to review their immunisation history, with plans for further comprehensive health data integration in subsequent updates. Leveraging technology pioneered during the COVID-19 response, this platform repurposes and augments the My Covid Record infrastructure to create an encompassing personal health repository.
Dr Chamberlain emphasises, “My Health Record’s introduction offers individuals free access to their health information, complementing existing platforms like GP patient portals. This initiative provides visibility into immunisation records dating back to 2005, offering a comprehensive view. Future enhancements will encompass a broader spectrum of health data, including laboratory test results.”
For the 3.5 million individuals with a My Health Account from My Covid Record, accessing My Health Record requires only a login. Others can register at my.health.nz.
Selah Hart, Deputy Chief Executive of Public and Population Health at Te Aka Whai Ora, highlights the amplified capabilities of the expanded Aotearoa Immunisation Register.
“”This enhancement equips health providers with a comprehensive view of an individual’s immunisation history, enabling prompt administration of required vaccinations. Leveraging this data, outreach initiatives, including mobile teams and community events, will target vulnerable whānau. During outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses like measles, the AIR facilitates a precise assessment of vaccination coverage, enabling targeted public health responses.”
Vaccination providers can access the AIR through their Patient Management System or the AIR Vaccinator Portal, reducing manual efforts and enabling a focused approach to vaccination advocacy among whānau.
Dr Chamberlain reiterates, “A $50 million allocation over two years, specifically aimed at hauora partners, underscores our commitment to elevate Māori immunisation rates. This targeted funding prioritises the well-being of pēpi, hāpu māma, and kaumātua, channelling $30 million to Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency providers. Additionally, $10 million each is earmarked for North and South Island partners.”
“This concerted effort, coupled with earlier support for Pacific partners, signifies a monumental stride toward achieving the national goal of ensuring 95% immunisation coverage for all children in Aotearoa, transcending ethnic boundaries,” concludes Dr Chamberlain.
The coordinated integration of digital solutions and targeted funding heralds a transformative era in healthcare equity, promising a brighter, healthier future for all New Zealanders.
OpenGov Asia reported that Aotearoa’s healthcare sphere is amid a transformative evolution, aiming to adapt to evolving societal needs by embracing digital integration, a global trend crucial for enhancing healthcare delivery and addressing challenges outlined in recent reports.
Within this landscape, telehealth emerges as a pivotal tool, bridging the gap between providers and patients, notably benefiting remote areas and enabling timely consultations while alleviating pressure on physical healthcare settings. Te Whatu Ora, a cornerstone of New Zealand’s health system, recently unveiled its quarterly report, revealing ongoing challenges in delivering comprehensive healthcare.
Despite marginal improvements in mental health wait times and childhood immunisation rates, hurdles persist, particularly affecting specialist appointments, planned care, and Emergency Department performance.
