Lay summary
Immunisation against pertussis, influenza, and COVID-19 during pregnancy is the only effective way to protect hapu māmā and their pēpi from these potentially fatal diseases. Maternal immunisation coverage is below optimal in Aotearoa and significant inequities exist for wahine Māori, putting Māori māmā and their pēpi at higher risk from vaccine-preventable diseases. Barriers to maternal immunisation include costs to access services, mistrust of the health system and lack of appropriate information. We will identify and develop interventions to overcome these barriers and improve vaccination uptake for hapu māmā within localities that have significant inequities. We will engage with key stakeholders in these localities including immunisation coordinators, midwives, GPs, pharmacists, Iwi, community representatives to co-design interventions to address the specific needs of Māori whanau. We will evaluate these interventions and develop a roadmap for action to decrease barriers to maternal vaccination, support informed decision-making, and improve maternal immunisation coverage across Aotearoa.