Health NZ celebrates 9.8% jump in Pacific childhood immunisation rates

Pacific childhood immunisation rates are improving significantly. The near 10 per cent year-on-year increase reflects the joint commitment of Pacific health providers, workforce and communities say Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Pacific health leaders and is cause for celebration.

“As of June 2025, 81.3 per cent of Pacific children across the motu were fully immunised by two years of age, up from 71.5 per cent in June 2024,” says Api Poutasi, Director Pacific Public Health.

This progress brings Pacific coverage close to the national rate of 82 per cent, a milestone that demonstrates the impact of ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access and better health outcomes for Pacific families, adds Pauline Fuimaono-Sanders, National Director Pacific Health.

“It’s a remarkable improvement achieved through the ongoing commitment and coordinated efforts by Pacific health providers, Pacific Public Health nurses, community leadership and the trusted relationships they build with the families they serve,” says Fuimaono-Sanders.

Counties Manukau, home to the largest Pacific population in Aotearoa, has shown outstanding progress, noted Poutasi, “Immunisation rates for our children at two years rose there from 76.5 per cent in June 2024 to 84.3 per cent in June 2025, exceeding the Government’s annual milestone of 84 per cent,” he said.

“Further, Pacific figures for November show three of our four Health NZ regions now exceed the June milestone, with Te Ikaroa | Central sitting at 87 per cent.”

Fuimaono-Sanders noted the remarkable impact Pacific health providers are making nationally with figures for October showing they provided 1,889 vaccinations to 652 children across the motu.

“In June, our Pacific providers delivered nearly 16 per cent of vaccinations for Pacific children despite representing just 2% of all providers nationally. They play an integral part in getting the country to the 95 per cent coverage we need for herd immunity,” she added.

Poutasi pointed to the efforts of the Pacific health workforce including Pacific Public Health Nurses who play a vital role in reaching families who face barriers to care.

“They are culturally adept and of the communities they serve, visiting homes, and speaking Pacific languages, providing holistic views on family health, including vaccinations.”

Health New Zealand wishes to acknowledge and thank all our Pacific providers, nurses, vaccinators, coordinators, community health workers and primary care teams who are out there every day building trust and delivering care where it’s needed most.

Their commitment is making a real difference for Pacific families and communities.

More information can be found at Immunisation coverage