Immunisation in New Zealand: Strategic Directions 2003 - 2006

Date of publication: December 2003

Executive Summary

Immunisation is one of the most cost-effective and successful preventive health interventions known. It is an important component of both well child and adult preventive health services.

Over the last century in New Zealand there has been a dramatic decline in vaccine-preventable diseases, much of it due to the effectiveness and quality of the National Immunisation Programme (NIP).

However, New Zealand has not yet achieved our immunisation targets of 95 percent coverage in children and over 75 percent in adults and high-risk groups for influenza vaccination. Coverage is inequitable, with lower rates in Maori and Pacific children and adults.

This document presents the strategic directions for the NIP for 2003-2006 to achieve these ambitious targets, recognising the key roles that District Health Boards (DHBs), primary care, public health services and a wide range of community organisations play in immunisation promotion, the provision of immunisation services, and vaccine-preventable disease control. It will form the basis of the NIP’s annual plans and work programme with the health sector over the next three years.

Implementation priorities for 2003-2006 are to:

• implement the National Immunisation Register, as a critical supporting tool for vaccinators, DHBs and the NIP; and as a basis for further implementation of electronic collection of Well Child information over time

• achieve a significant reduction in meningococcal B disease, through introduction of the MeNZB vaccine in 2004/05 (subject to licensure)

• improve access to immunisation services in primary care and outreach settings to reduce inequalities in immunisation coverage (and thus the risk of vaccine-preventable disease), prioritising equitable coverage for Maori and Pacific peoples

• develop an effective communication and promotion strategy for immunisation as a key component of child and adult health.

Achieving these priorities requires a robust NIP that works collaboratively with DHBs, public health services, primary care and communities to implement nationally consistent policies. The implementation of the Primary Care Strategy is an important factor, which will enhance access to immunisation services and the ability of New Zealand to achieve its immunisation coverage targets.

The NIP will play a lead role in funding and co-ordinating immunisation activities, ongoing vaccinator workforce development, and the evaluation of programme activities. Research, immunisation coverage monitoring and disease surveillance are the other essential activities that will support the NIP’s work.

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Related information

Immunisation in New Zealand