A local healthcare team is offering free pyjamas and nappies as an extra incentive to get Auckland children vaccinated.

ProCare, New Zealand’s largest primary health care organisation, is trialling the winter wellness packs to encourage the immunisation of Māori and Pacific children.

More than 400 PJ and nappy packs will be gifted to whānau through 27of ProCare’s family medical centres, those with the highest number of children still to be immunised.

ProCare Group CEO Bindi Norwell says the covid pandemic has seen a drop in the number of children receiving their childhood vaccinations, particularly in Māori and Pacific families.

“Vaccination for young pēpe (babies) is an important step in getting them the best start in life, and we want as many children as possible to benefit from these free vaccines.

“The Ministry of Health sets a target of 95% immunisation for eight month and two-year-old children. Sometimes the difference of meeting this goal, is just a handful of children. We hope that this extra incentive will raise awareness in the community of how important these vaccines are to the health and wellbeing of our children,” says Ms Norwell.

Ms Norwell says they are grateful to The Warehouse Lincoln Rd who donated half the pyjama and nappy stock for the campaign.

Brad Gard’ner, The Warehouse’s store manager – Lincoln Rd, says “we are delighted to support this important initiative which goes a long way to improve the health and wellbeing of our local community.”

Should the trial be successful, ProCare hopes to run the incentive again next year.