Tai Rāwhiti, Bay of Plenty and Northland have historically had low rates of vaccination. Photo: Tom Lee / Stuff
A mobile vaccination clinic will be available in Northland this week following the identification of four measles cases.
The Ngāti Hine Health Trust has four in-person clinics to get people vaccinated across the region, which has has some of the lowest MMR vaccination rates in the country.
Chief executive Tamati Shepherd-Wipiiti said from Wednesday, a mobile vaccination clinic would be travelling down rural roads in Waitangi and Kerikeri.
He said people could contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 and they would help get the mobile vaccination clinic to come to them.
He said those with measles symptoms should not come to an in-person clinic.
"If you're feeling symptoms stay home, ring the helpline, we'll come to you, don't come into our busy clinics."
He said doctor shortages had made it difficult for people in the community to get immunised.
"Historically Tai Rāwhiti, Bay of Plenty and Northland have had low rates.
"We have a severe shortage of primary care providers and GPs in our area and access to get to the doctor is actually really hard."
He encouraged people to take advantage of the in-person and mobile clinic services.
"To protect our whānau, get both vax, get both jabs, keep the hygiene up, and keep safe."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
