There was just one thing Napier boy Harry wanted for his 12th birthday – to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
So, on the morning of his birthday mum Anna rang Unichem Greenmeadows Pharmacy and booked his first COVID-19 vaccine. Just a few hours later, the Taradale Intermediate pupil had received his first dose.
Anna and her husband were already vaccinated because they wanted to protect themselves and their family from COVID-19 - specifically the Delta variant. They discussed the vaccine with their two children and made it clear it was their choice as to whether they be vaccinated.
Their eldest daughter followed suit but Harry wasn’t eligible until he turned 12 on October 21.
Harry said he felt a bit left out being the only unvaccinated family member.
“All I wanted for my birthday was to get vaccinated so I don’t get really sick or anything from the virus because children in Auckland have been in hospital with COVID.
“I wanted to protect myself and others from the virus.”
Harry loves kayaking and plays canoe polo and basketball. He was also keen to have extra protection against COVID-19 while travelling to other regions for competitions.
“I do a lot sport and I wanted to make sure I was safe,” he said.
Harry was surprised that getting vaccinated was so easy.
“I was quite nervous but then the pharmacist talked to me and made me feel better. I got it and I was all good. It just felt like a little pinch,” he said.
“My arm was a little sore the next day but it was alright.”
Along with his vaccination, Harry also got some canoe polo gear and a Kobe Bryant book for his birthday.
Harry gets his second COVID-19 vaccination tomorrow (Friday 12 November).
There are plenty of opportunities for people to get vaccinated this Second-Shot Weekend in Napier, Hastings, Wairoa and Central Hawke’s Bay.
There will be drive or walk-in clinics at Splash Planet, The Church of Latter-Day Saints in Flaxmere, Central Hawke’s Bay A&P showgrounds Waipukurau, Queen Street Practice in Wairoa, Pak ‘n Save Tamatea, Pak ‘n Save Napier plus Whitmore Park.
People who get their first or second COVID-19 vaccination at any clinic this weekend go in the draw to win Six60 tickets, iphones and, prezzy cards. Plus, anyone who gets vaccinated at one of the DHB clinics will receive a $20 voucher. Check hbcovidvaccine.nz for full details.
People can also go to www.bookmyvaccine.nz or call 0800 28 29 26 to book.
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