New Zealand Midwives Lead Vaccination Rollout Ahead of Target

Health Minister Simeon Brown announced that New Zealand’s midwife‑led vaccination programme is progressing faster than planned. Of the 218 midwives who expressed interest, 179 have completed training, and 19 sites are already delivering vaccines. A further 13 sites are preparing to start, bringing the pipeline to 32 sites—well above the 25‑site target set for 30 June 2027. Nearly 70 midwives have vaccinated about 1,600 people, mainly against whooping cough and influenza, and since 1 February they have administered more than 200 childhood vaccines. The initiative began mid‑last year in response to a national whooping cough epidemic and was expanded in February to include post‑birth vaccinations for mothers, babies, and eligible family members up to one year. By embedding immunisations into routine midwife care, the programme cuts appointment barriers and increases timely protection for newborns and families.