Covid-19 vaccine rolls out on target
Another Covid-19 vaccination site has opened in Palmerston North this week, at the former Plumbing World premises in Fitzherbert Ave.
The clinic will add to the range of GP practices, integrated health centres, community pharmacies, iwi and community health providers already signed up to help.
Iwi health providers Best Care Whakapai Hauora on Maxwells Line in Palmerston North and Nga¯ti Kahungunu ki Ta¯maki nuia-rua and Rangita¯ne o Ta¯maki Nui A Rua in Dannevirke are already offering vaccinations at their offices.
In the next week Muau¯poko Tribal Authority and Raukawa Wha¯nau Ora in Levin will join the campaign.
Midcentral District Health Board nurse educator Ma¯ori Bonnie Mathare has been doing vaccinations in Dannevirke and Palmerston North, and says the response to the various sites has been positive.
‘‘Most people that I’ve spoken to have commented on how easy the vaccination process was for them.
‘‘Going out to areas like Dannevirke means it’s a simple 40-minute appointment as opposed to a half-day trek to a bigger centre.’’
So far more than 6000 people in the Midcentral district have received at least their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, which is well on target against its plans.
Board chief medical officer Kelvin Billinghurst says the target group at the moment is people in group 2, which includes frontline health workers and kauma¯tua and their households.
Later this month, people in group 3 will become eligible, including people aged over 65 years, and those with underlying health conditions.
Vaccinations will be available for the rest of the population from July.
Billinghurst says taking vaccination teams out into the community is key to ensuring equitable access.
‘‘Our plan involves having vaccines delivered in fixed sites throughout Midcentral, as well as at participating general practices and community pharmacies.’’
The board also has capacity to set up mobile sites.
He re-iterated the message that the vaccine is free and safe, and there are enough doses for everyone who agrees to have them.
‘‘By getting vaccinated, together we are protecting ourselves, our wha¯nau and our communities.’’