Nine To Noon Plunket urges whanau to vaccinate as measles cases climb
Oct 30, 2025
Zoe Tipa, the Chief Nurse for Plunket, highlights the urgent need for childhood immunisation amid rising measles cases in New Zealand. She discusses the serious risks measles poses to infants, including complications and high hospitalisation rates. Zoe explains how Plunket is launching new vaccination clinics and directly administering vaccines. She addresses parents' concerns and the impact of misinformation on vaccine uptake. Listen in for essential tips on recognizing measles symptoms and how to respond if exposed.
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Low Immunisation Undermines Herd Protection
- New Zealand's measles immunisation rate is around 80%, well below the 95% needed for herd immunity.
- This low coverage increases community transmission and raises outbreak risk nationwide.
2019 Outbreak Shows Severe Impact
- The 2019 outbreak reached over 2,000 cases with a third hospitalised and 250 cases in babies.
- That history shows measles can rapidly cause severe illness and strain health services.
Vaccinate The Bubble Around Infants
- Protect babies under 12 months by ensuring family and close contacts are immunised to create a protective bubble.
- Keep infants away from anyone who is unwell and prioritise vaccinating household members now.