Make history by prioritising Māori kids for vaccine, experts say

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2021-12-17 00:01

New Zealand

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In an NZMJ editorial, child health and pandemic experts urge authorities to prioritise Māori in the vaccine roll-out to kids, since research shows they are at a higher risk of harm from COVID-19 impacts. Tamariki Māori have higher rates of certain health conditions that put them at risk of worse outcomes, including obesity, diabetes, asthma and chronic respiratory conditions. The authors want to see paediatric vaccination at school sites, as well as in primary healthcare, with funding boosts for Māori health providers “well in advance” to allow them to plan properly.