The national Māori campaign for the COVID-19 vaccine, led by the Ministry of Health, is expected to go live today, the 12th of April 2021. As a research organisation we are privy to a range of information about the COVID-19 vaccine, from our partners and collaborators as well as from official sources, immunologists and researchers in the field, and different advisory groups. We are aware of the many views that Māori whānau hold regarding the COVID-19 vaccination, and the levels of anxiety that exist in our community about the vaccine. As researchers we also know that information is power and if whānau are to make informed decisions about receiving the vaccine, the information they read needs to come from reliable and trusted sources. As the national roll-out is implemented, we thought it important to take a moment to let people know where they might find some reliable information about the vaccine.
The key information sources whānau are probably already familiar with include both the Unite Against COVID and Ministry of Health websites. These websites have been in existence for about a year now, and in addition to vaccine information they also have the most up to date material on Alert Levels; how to use the tracer app and why its important to do so; and information about getting financial support if you have been impacted by COVID-19.
Other sources of information include organisations such as the Malaghan Institute. The team at this large research centre based at Victoria University, Wellington, is working as part of the Vaccine Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand – Ohu Kaupare Huaketo, to ensure a safe and effective vaccine is available for Māori communities and for the Pacific Islands. You can read more about the work they are doing to ensure vaccine safety and effectiveness on their website here.
Another organisation critical to ensuring equity and a strong Māori voice is part of any decision regarding vaccines for Māori is Te Rōpū Whakakaupapa Urutā. This national organisation, comprising Māori health experts from around the country, advises the government on issues to do with COVID-19 as they impact Māori whanau, hapū and Iwi. As the group themselves observe, the increase in public discussion about the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, has meant that now more than ever “its important that our whānau have access to information that supports their right to make informed and confident decisions”. Whānau can find information about vaccines work, and the COVID-19 vaccine in particular, from their website here.
The final useful article we found when we were looking for reliable information comes from one of only two Māori immunologists currently working in Aotearoa; Anthony Jordan. An immunologist is a physician who is specially trained to diagnose, treat and manage allergies (e.g. hayfever), asthma and immunologic disorders. As a doctor, he really knows the potential harm COVID-19 can cause in our community. You can find Anthony's korero here.
Whether you decide to receive the vaccine or not, is your and your whanau's decision, but certainly having the right information at your fingertips can help in that decision-making process. Kei a koe te tikanga.
You can download the information sheet here.
