On Monday 11th October, the government announced it would be mandating vaccination for all health workers including midwives. This decision was made in the best interests of the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders.
Pregnancy and early parenting are times of celebration as whānau come together to welcome a new baby, but they are also times of higher vulnerability to the effects of Covid-19 – either if infected or by increased isolation while lockdowns are necessary. As health professionals, midwives recognise their privileged position of trust and responsibility to whānau throughout Aotearoa, thus the vast majority of midwives in New Zealand have already chosen to be vaccinated. The New Zealand College of Midwives (the College) strongly supports and commends them for this choice.
Whilst the decision to be vaccinated is an individual one, choosing to be vaccinated against Covid-19 recognises our wider collective and professional responsibilities. The College strongly urges any midwives who have not yet been vaccinated against Covid -19 to take up the opportunity to do so as soon as possible. The College will be amending its draft position statement on midwives’ vaccination status to recognise this new mandate.
The College website provides a range of evidence-based information and resources for women, whānau and midwives regarding the Covid-19 vaccination.
Alison Eddy
Chief Executive
New Zealand College of Midwives|Te Kāreti o ngā Kaiwhakawhānau ki Aotearoa