Tonga / New Zealand Rugby League test a boost for vaccination

Free Mate Ma’a Tonga tickets couldn’t prevent a loss to the Kiwis over the weekend, but they did help spread the important health message of getting vaccinated against Covid, and other preventable diseases like measles, mumps and rubella.

The Public Service Fale wants to recognise the work of The Fono, Tāmaki-Makaurau Auckland’s largest Pacific health and social services provider, which ran a vaccination event in Otahuhu on the Matariki public holiday, the day before the test. Families were encouraged to get their covid-booster shots and have their 5-11-year-olds vaccinated. Flu was also a priority with free vaccines available to Pasifika and Māori aged 55+, everyone aged 65+, pregnant women and those with ongoing health conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart issues.

Mate Ma’a Tonga Rugby League fans had the added incentive of free Saturday test tickets to see their heroes play the Kiwis. Everyone getting a covid or flu vaccine received some of the 800 available tickets and there were 436 doses administered, 152 covid and 284 for flu.

Mt Smart stadium was awash with a sea of red MMT supporters at Saturday’s sold-out clash with New Zealand. It was the first international test since 2019 and despite a loss to the Kiwis, spirits couldn’t be dampened.

This resilience can be seen in Pasifika communities across Aotearoa and the Pacific where many are still facing major challenges with the pandemic.

Tevita Funaki (pictured left), The Fono’s chief executive, says it’s very important for Pacific peoples across Aotearoa and the region to be up to date with their vaccines. He says a side effect of covid has been disruption to other vaccination programmes which he’d like to see normalised again.

“We’ve learnt from Sāmoa,” says Tevita of the measles outbreak in late 2019 where 83 died, mostly young children. He’s concerned that Pacific populations are again at risk.

“Having low MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination rates is just courting disaster. The borders are open now and Pacific borders are opening and measles comes through the border.”

People need to take control of their health, adds Tevita, and ensure they and their families have the best protection against the potentially fatal diseases which pose the most risks. He says immunisation is key and The Fono and other Pacific health agencies are working with Pacific communities to help.

“Make sure your covid, flu and MMR vaccines are up to date. Those are the three headlines,” confirms Tevita.

The other headline was that Mate Ma’a Tonga lost to the Kiwis 26-6 but their fans were the winners on the day.