Immunisation hub closes

The immunisation hub in Palmerston Road closed yesterday. Staff at the hub have included, back, from left, Millie Cook, Julia Duffy, Ruth Newton, Kate Gunn, Arihia Mataira-Kapa, Parehuia Maxwell and Janine Brown. In the middle, from left, are Karen Clarke, Susan Stone, Rachel Cruttenden, Vanessa Robertson and Karen Anderson and in front are Mikaela Grant (left) and Shannon Moloney. Picture supplied

Kowhai House, Gisborne’s community immunisation centre based in Palmerston Road, closed yesterday.

The hub started distributing RAT tests and Covid-19 vaccinations in 2020 and later became a general immunisation hub for the Tairāwhiti community.

Vaccinations will continue to be available to the community,  through people’s local doctor, participating pharmacies, or any weekend vaccination event, says clinical nurse manager Sandi French.

“Even though you won’t be able to pop along to our centre, your local doctor offers all vaccinations on the schedule and our amazing local pharmacists are always there for you,” she said.

Unichem Bramwells Pharmacy and Sean Shivnan Pharmacy offer flu and Covid-19 vaccinations to those aged 13 and over.

They also offer Boostrix, a whooping cough vaccine for hapū māmā.

Horouta Pharmacy offers flu and Covid vaccinations to those aged 13 and over.

Pharmacy 53 offers flu vaccinations for those aged four and over, as well as Covid-19 vaccinations and Boostrix for hapu māmā.

People wanting to get vaccinated at any of these places are advised to call ahead of time to book an appointment.

They can also visit www.bookmyvaccine.co.nz to book a time at any participating location.

“The weekend Ngāti Porou Oranga or Turanga Health vaccination events are also a great way of getting vaccinated.

“Keep an eye out on their Facebook pages for event information.”

If you aren’t sure of what vaccinations you or your whānau need, you can visit www.immunise.health.nz

The immunisation team at Kowhai House said they were grateful for the support the community has shown since it opened.