Celebrating 10,000 vaccinations delivered across Aotearoa

30 April 2026

Whānau Āwhina Plunket, in partnership with Health New Zealand, is celebrating a major milestone after delivering more than 10,000 vaccinations to pēpi, tamariki and whānau across Aotearoa through its growing immunisation service. 

The immunisation pilot now operates across 24 Plunket clinics nationwide, helping provide more opportunities for whānau to access vaccinations in their communities, particularly for those who may face barriers accessing primary care or live in areas where immunisation rates are lower. 

The service has recently expanded to also offer free flu vaccinations for eligible pregnant people, tamariki and whānau, helping protect families during winter and making it easier for whānau to access care in one trusted place. 

Whānau Āwhina Plunket is working alongside existing immunisation providers, including Hauora Māori providers, general practices, pharmacies and other community health partners, to strengthen access rather than duplicate services. 

New Zealand’s childhood immunisation rates remain a significant challenge. Currently, around 78 percent of children are fully immunised by the age of two, with rates declining since 2016. The Government has set a target of 95 percent of children being fully vaccinated at 24 months by 2030. 

Whānau Āwhina Plunket Acting Chief Executive Brent Sincock says the organisation is proud to play a role in helping improve those outcomes. 

"This milestone reflects the incredible work of our teams across Aotearoa who have embraced this opportunity to expand the support we offer whānau. 

"We know that access can be a barrier for many families when it comes to immunisations. We are working alongside existing providers to help make sure more whānau can access vaccinations in ways that work for them.

"By offering vaccinations in spaces whānau already know and trust, we’re helping remove barriers and ensuring more pēpi and tamariki are protected from preventable illness." 

As Aotearoa’s largest Well Child Tamariki Ora providers, Whānau Āwhina Plunket is uniquely placed to support immunisation access through its strong community reach and trusted relationships with whānau. 

Whānau feedback continues to highlight the value of receiving vaccinations in familiar, family-friendly environments. 

"I was very happy with my immunisations today. I want to come back here for all of the immunisations from now on. It’s also so nice to have faces that know my baby around. It makes such a nice difference," said one māmā. 

With demand continuing to grow, Whānau Āwhina Plunket remains committed to improving access to immunisations and ensuring more whānau can protect themselves and their tamariki from preventable illness. 

Image, left to right: Immunisations Services Manager Bernadette Heaphy, Head of Service Development Nat Hornyak, Project Manager Kathryn Ridgway, Clinical Leader and immuniser Keli Livingston Filipo.