Drive-through event makes immunisation more convenient and accessible

Drive-throughs aren’t just for fast food — they’re now making healthcare quicker and more accessible too. 

Before Christmas, 16 Gisborne pēpī and tamariki received vaccinations from the comfort of their cars during a two-hour drive-through immunisation event. Cars became vaccination stations, complete with vaccinating fairies, smiling faces, sausages, ice cream, and goody bags to keep tamariki entertained. 

The event — led by Tūranga Health who brought their drive-through expertise honed during Covid-19 — was a collaboration with Pinnacle Midlands Health Network’s Tairāwhiti team, The Doctors Te Whare Hapara, De Latour Medical, and City Medical Centre. 

Tracy Fergus, Pinnacle’s Tairāwhiti district manager, described the event “a success that reached 16 tamariki who might have otherwise missed their vaccinations.” 

“This included two pēpī receiving their first vaccinations and several four-year-olds immunised against Meningococcal B. Events like this make it easier to ensure more tamariki are protected, and help reduce the strain on outreach services,” said Tracy. 

Pinnacle provided Tūranga Health with a list of tamariki due or overdue for immunisations. Tūranga Health kaimahi then pre-booked families into 15-minute slots. On the day, Pinnacle’s nurse practitioner ensured every child received the correct vaccinations using an on-site patient management system, while nurses from the general practices worked alongside Tūranga Health to vaccinate the tamariki. 

Bobbie Cameron, Primary Care Kaiwhakahaere at Tūranga Health, said the simplicity of the drive-through model is key to its success. “Manaaki is an important part of what we do at Tūranga Health. We want every whānau we engage with to have a positive experience. Staying in their cars kept whānau at ease, making it a convenient way to ensure tamariki are immunised and protected,” she said. 

“The mobile drive-through approach brings services closer to home. Timely vaccination is essential to stopping the spread of diseases like measles and whooping cough. By delivering services in our communities, we’re making it easier for whānau to protect their tamariki. We’ll continue using this blueprint.”  

With whooping cough declared a national epidemic on 22 November and the epidemic still ongoing, Pinnacle CEO Justin Butcher emphasised the importance of events like this in addressing vaccination challenges. 

“Community-based initiatives like the Gisborne drive-through play a vital role in protecting tamariki through timely vaccinations,” he said. 

“Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand’s end of year data shows Pinnacle Tairāwhiti’s rates for fully immunised children sit around 70 per cent for both the 8-month and 2-year milestones —approximately 10 per cent below the national average and significantly lower than the government’s 95 per cent target. 

“Community-based vaccination events are part of a broader strategy to boost immunisation rates across the region. With ongoing support and collaboration, these initiatives are making healthcare more accessible. We recognise the challenges, but it’s encouraging to see how efforts like this can make a real difference.”