Health New Zealand's falling behind in its target to lift childhood vaccination rates. 

The agency's quarterly performance report to the end of September shows immunisation rates for children at 24 months has fallen. 

There was also a reduction in the number of people being seen in less than four months by a specialist. 

Stays in emergency departments are shorter as more newborns are enrolled with GPs. 

Chief executive Margie Apa told Heather du Plessis-Allan they're keeping a close eye on declining vaccination rates. 

She says they've learned through covid it can be really helpful to get trusted people in the community. 

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