A dire warning has been issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) to Aotearoa New Zealand, urging the country to address the 'alarming' disparities in measles immunization rates, particularly within the Māori and Pacific communities. This call to action comes at a critical juncture, as the nation faces the risk of another major outbreak if these gaps persist.
The WHO's review last year revealed a concerning decline in measles vaccination rates, the lowest since 2012. This has raised fears of a potential resurgence, especially given the recent confirmed cases across various regions, including Manawatū, Nelson, Northland, Taranaki, Wellington, and Auckland. The current vaccination coverage among Māori under five years old stands at a mere 72%, significantly lower than the 82% across the general population. To effectively prevent outbreaks, a coverage of at least 95% is essential.
Dr Corina Grey, the Public Health Director, acknowledged the shared concerns with the Ministry of Health. "We must address the fact that Māori and Pacific children are still being left behind. It's a problem we need to solve urgently," she emphasized.
Chris Puli'uvea, a Pacific health researcher, highlighted the serious risks, especially for Pacific communities. "We need to reach a 95% immunization level, and I fear we might even lag behind the general population. For instance, in the Bay of Plenty, vaccination rates are significantly lower than other ethnic groups in the region," Dr Puli'uvea pointed out.
Dr Puli'uvea warned of the highly contagious nature of measles, stating, "The current situation is a cause for serious concern. One infected person can potentially spread the virus to up to 18 others. The virus lingers in the air for hours, facilitating its transmission. It's far more infectious than COVID-19, posing a significant threat to our Māori and Pacific communities."
"What makes it even more challenging is that individuals can be infected at an early stage and not show symptoms for four days. During this time, they can unknowingly spread the virus. The delay in reporting such incidents only adds to the worry. That's why I'm deeply concerned about the vaccination rates not meeting the required levels," he added.
Dr Puli'uvea acknowledged the complexity of the issue, citing several reasons for the lower vaccination rates among Māori and Pacific communities. "It's a challenging question. The key lessons from COVID-19 have shown us the importance of community engagement, particularly with faith communities, to address misinformation and disinformation. This is one of the inequalities we face."
"Other inequities include people struggling to find time to get vaccinated due to work commitments or other responsibilities. Some individuals, especially those born in the 1990s and later, are unsure about their immunization status. Finding the time to get vaccinated is a challenge for many," he explained.
Dr Puli'uvea encouraged families to vaccinate, even if they are unsure about their vaccination history. "With MMR, I simply encourage people to get vaccinated. There's no harm in receiving the full course again. It not only protects the individual but also prevents the spread of the virus," he said.
The Ministry of Health has taken proactive measures to expand vaccination access through pharmacies, GPs, and health centers. Incentives have also been offered to encourage on-time childhood immunizations. "Every child vaccinated helps protect the entire community," Dr Grey emphasized.
Both doctors emphasized the importance of checking vaccination records and encouraged individuals to speak to their local GP, pharmacy, or clinic to receive free MMR vaccinations. This proactive approach is crucial to ensuring the well-being of the community and preventing a potential measles outbreak.
