Hawke’s Bay hits 91% 1st dose

29 Nov 2021, 11:41

Hawke’s Bay hit a milestone today with 91 percent of the community now vaccinated with one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Hawke’s Bay DHB’s COVID-19 Senior Responsible Officer Chris McKenna said the region’s primary care providers, councils, community leaders, iwi and Pasifika communities along with all the vaccination teams had worked really hard to tick this off.

“Everyone needs to be congratulated. I really want to pass on my thanks to the staff of the vaccination clinics, run by the various providers. These people have worked huge hours. A number of staff have come out of retirement to help deliver this vaccine rollout, which is the largest and most complex health programme in New Zealand’s history.

“Our work continues. There are still many people we need to engage with. We now have mobile vans working in our remotest areas. With COVID-19 now circulating, across the motu, we are working hard to reach people who are hesitant, isolated or simply haven’t yet got around to it”.

“We know people are busy at this time of year, but by protecting yourself and those you love you can take away a large chunk of the worry by getting vaccinated,” she said.

The DHB encourages anyone still  sitting on the fence, about whether to get vaccinated, to talk to their trusted health provider as soon as possible. People should not wait for COVID-19 to be at their door as it takes time to build up immunity after getting a vaccination, Mrs McKenna said.

Hawke’s Bay remains on track to hit 90% double vaccinated by the end of the year if everyone who is due for their second dose gets vaccinated on time.

The DHB will have vaccination clinics running over Christmas and New Year and people can check www.hbcovidvaccine.nz or the DHB’s Facebook page for information in the coming weeks.