Vaccination and testing services ramp up

Health teams work together against Omicron threat

With the Omicron threat all around Tararua, but not actually in it, all medically related services are working together to ensure local residents are safe. MidCentral Health, the Tararua Health Group (THG) iwi and the Dannevirke Pharmacy are working in tandem to provide vaccination and testing facilities.

Samantha Chapman of the Tararua Health Group says, “We are continuing to provide two clinics each week in both Dannevirke and Pahiatua for vaccinations. These can be booked, and we are happy to take walk-ins.

“We continue to work alongside both iwi to provide good coverage and the Dannevirke Pharmacy is open for walk-ins too.

“We are seeing good uptake of boosters and doses for children 5 plus across the board.

“Swabbing (testing) continues to be offered Monday-Saturday by appointment only at Barraud Street Health Centre and Monday to Friday by appointment only at Pahiatua Medical Centre.

“The demand is steady for swabbing. It is great to see members of the community seeking out tests when they are symptomatic.

“We have a local Covid response team prepared to support anyone with Covid and their household contacts with whatever health and social needs they have.

“We are encouraging everyone to have a plan in place should they suddenly need to isolate such as having a buddy for dropping of groceries, access to a phone, etc — there are lots of great resources for this on the Covid-19 website,” she said.

Meanwhile, both Kahungunu and Rangitane iwi are working together with the other agencies to provide at least one clinic for vaccinations per week on a Wednesday.

They also operate a mobile service

We have a local Covid response team prepared to support anyone with Covid and their household contacts with whatever health and social needs they have. Samantha Chapman

with a van set up to do vaccinations for those who cannot get to the clinics.

On Thursday MidCentral Health staff visited from Palmerston North to train iwi in swabbing.

Kahungunu co-ordinator Dawn Vella says people have been slow to use their services for the booster shot which is the best defence against Omicron. She advises to get boosted

before Omicron really arrives.

For any services go online to Health Point Tararua or contact Iwi and THG direct.

The staff closeup — in front: Emma Carruthers (THG Nurse), Rocky Taite (Kahungunu) and Dawn Vella (Kahungunu — coordinator). Behind: Melissa Nikora (DHB iwi team leader Covid response), Jamie Hape (Rangitane co-ordinator).

Melissa Nikora next to the van which has the logos of all those organisations involved in the MidCenral Health Covid Response.

The iwi mobile van with staff inside.