At least 12,000 people had their names released in last year's breach. File photo. Photo: PEAKSTOCK / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRAR
Vaccinators whose names were published on a US website after a Te Whatu Ora data leak are feeling nervous and under threat, says a nurses' union.
Te Whatu Ora has been notifying at least 12,000 people - mostly vaccinators - who had their names released in last year's breach.
The Nurses Organisation kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku said several nurses had been in touch after getting a call.
"[They're] nervous that their information's out there in the world and somewhat feeling threatened. They were doing the best job possible and it's turned on them so they're feeling vulnerable and really let down," she said.
Te Whatu Ora said most of them had only their names published.
But Nuku said that was enough to make them worry.
The husband of one nurse had received an abusive message about his wife because she was a vaccinator, Nuku said.
It could be a coincidence, but it did show that those kind of threats were out there, she said.
"It highlights the anxiety and the situation that these nurses are feeling at the moment."
Nuku said many nurses who had received a call from Te Whatu Ora had in turn been calling fellow vaccinators to warn them they may be on the list.
Te Whatu Ora had apologised for the breach and said it was working on making its systems better so a similar incident could not happen again.
Chief executive Margie Apa said last week the victims of the leak had been doing their best to keep the country safe.
Support would be in place for any of the who needed it, she said.
Barry Young, a former Te Whatu Ora employee, has been charged over the leak.