The first 200 COVID-19 vaccinations were given in Wairoa on Monday to frontline healthcare workers, St John’s staff, hospital volunteers, Kahungunu Executive, Glengarry Lifecare and community health workers.
Wairoa Health Manager, Sonya Smith was one of the first to roll up her sleeves in the first round of vaccinations.
“It feels great to be able to do my bit to protect my whānau and community from COVID-19,” Ms Smith said.
“We have had 200 doses to give in Wairoa today so our focus has been on those that are most at risk of picking up the virus in their workplace or spreading it to others in the community.
“We were also able to reach some of our kaumātua and members of the community who are most at risk of getting seriously ill if they got the virus while the clinic was up here given we are a rural area,” Sonya said.
Amongst those receiving the vaccine was Wairoa pakeke Bill Blake (91) who visits Wairoa Hospital weekly to provide karakia and whānau support.
Mr Blake said, “It didn’t hurt at all and it was done quickly. My advice to everyone is to take the vaccine and do your bit to protect New Zealand, your whānau and ngā tangata o te ao, people of the world. And don’t forget your second dose.”
Ngaira Harker, COVID-19 coordinator says, “Getting vaccinated is free and we will be rolling it out in Wairoa over the coming months working in partnership with Queen Street Practice, Kahungunu Executive and Wairoa Health.”
A second clinic will be held in three weeks for those who received the vaccine today to get their second dose.
The Pfizer BioNtech vaccine has had Medsafe approval in New Zealand and has been held to the same high standard of vaccine safety as any other vaccine.
Visit covid19.govt.nz for further information on the vaccine and to find out when you can get your vaccine.
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