The impact of Covid-19 vaccination in Aotearoa New Zealand

Making Education Easy

Authors:

Datta S et al.

March 26, 2024

Summary:

COVID-19 vaccination greatly reduced the health burden in New Zealand, according to a mathematical model used by the government, but equity needs to be a focus of future vaccination programmes. The model included age- and time-dependent case ascertainment, the effect of antiviral medications, improved hospitalisation rate estimates, and the impact of relaxing control measures. Analyses found that vaccines saved 6650 (95% credible interval [Crl] 4424–10,180) lives, prevented 74,500 (Crl 51,000–115,400) years of life lost and prevented 45,100 (Crl 34,400–55,600) hospitalisations over the period January 2022 to June 2023. Vaccination rates were lower in Māori than people of European ethnicity; results showed that equitable vaccination rates could have prevented an estimated 11%-26% of the 292 Māori COVID-19 deaths recorded over this time period.

Comment:

I still have people contact me about my pro-COVID 19 vaccination stance, sending through misinformation and attempting to persuade me to change views. I will be sending them this paper and highlighting the statement showing the number of Māori COVID-19 deaths that could have been prevented if vaccination rates had been equitable. Anā!

Reference: Vaccine. 2024;42(6):1383-1391.

Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.