Tēnā koutou
There is one item in this week’s Pānui.
Our general practices are high performing when it comes to immunisation overall. We lead the seven PHOs across Tāmaki Makaurau for several immunisations including antenatal, Bexsero and under 4 years flu. However, there is still an equity gap between immunisation coverage for Māori and non-Māori and we know there are many reasons for this. To have the best immunisation coverage possible to prevent further outbreaks of measles and pertussis, a gentle reminder to ‘leave no stone unturned’ when whānau Māori, Pacific and others who have low immunisation rates visit the practice.
Pertussis Outbreak
As you are aware, there is a Pertussis outbreak in West Auckland. We understand that one of the people who contracted Pertussis is pregnant. While it is often difficult to know if patients are pregnant if they haven’t presented to the practice, it is a timely reminder to recall and/or encourage people who are pregnant to have their antenatal immunisations.
The Practice Mōhio Antenatal Report provides a list of people who have had antenatal bloods ordered and includes whether influenza, Boosterix, COVID-19 vaccinations have been given along with the person’s smoking status and if a referral has been made to smoking cessation services. While not perfect, the report provides a list of names to work from. In the event a pregnancy ends, the patient’s name will not be removed, therefore discretion is advised.
There are several excellent consumer resources available to encourage antenatal vaccinations – here are two suggestions:
He Puna Waiora/Healthify New Zealand (ex Health Navigator) https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/i/immunisation-why-should-i-get-vaccinated/ and
IMAC has a great video https://covid.immune.org.nz/resources/video/immunisation-during-pregnancy
Have you checked the Mōhio Childhood Immunisation Report?
In case you missed it – here is a summary of the report to assist with recalls.
For more information or assistance, contact Shanaz Khan – Immunisation Services Coordinator shanaz@aucklandpho.co.nz
Ngā mihi,
Barbara Stevens |Tumu Whakarae/CEO