Abstract
Introduction. Maternal vaccination against influenza and pertussis protects mothers and babies from severe disease and is recommended and funded in Aotearoa New Zealand. Despite this, maternal vaccination uptake is low, varies by region and is inequitable, with Maori and Pacific mama (mothers) less likely to receive vaccination. Aim. To determine what interventions currently exist to support and encourage maternal vaccination against influenza and pertussis and what changes and interventions could be implemented to improve coverage, with a focus on Maori and Pacific hapu mama (pregnant mothers). Methods. Interviews with six participants with diverse roles in the vaccination workforce were conducted. Participants were involved in education, certification and supporting vaccinators, high-level strategising, and vaccination. Interviews aimed to determine what interventions currently exist for hapu mama, what changes need to be made to improve coverage and how Maori and Pacific people have been specifically engaged. Qualitative data analysis was used to determine themes. Results. Participants identified that interventions must focus on prioritising and emphasising the importance of maternal vaccination, promoting collaboration and innovation, making interventions accessible, and empowering Maori-and Pacific-driven avenues to vaccination. To create positive foundations, participants identified the importance of building and maintaining trust and affording mothers' time and autonomy in vaccination. Discussion. Healthcare professionals need to proactively engage hapu mama about vaccination and collaborate in service delivery. Interventions must be suitably accessible and allow for the autonomy of hapu mama over vaccination decisions. Equity should be considered at the foundation of vaccine interventions to improve the accessibility of vaccines to all communities.