Vaccine pass adds to Covid stress among elderly

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Elderly residents are frustrated and feel “further isolated” because of too much digital focus around vaccine passports.

Since the Government introduced its My Vaccine Pass digital proof of vaccination earlier this week, Age Concern Gisborne chief executive Frances Toroa said elderly people with limited access to the internet and e-mail had been asking for help.

“It's a little bit frustrating for some,” she said.

“I heard that Jacinda (Ardern) said ‘it only takes a minute', not thinking about older people.”

Mrs Toroa said the Government should have been prepared to better communicate with the elderly.

“There should have been a little bit more preparation. It is another added pressure.

“For instance, our kaumatua group is normally held in the library and that doesn't open until Level 1, but that's where we feed back information.

“They are already feeling isolation and vulnerability, just with Covid. This is another added layer of pressure and stress.”

My Vaccine Pass is an official record of a person's Covid-19 vaccination status and will be needed to access places that require proof of vaccination under the new Covid-19 Protection Framework.

To date, most publicity around the move has focused on advising people to sign up to My Covid Record (www.mycovidrecord.nz) to download the pass to a digital device.

My Vaccine Pass has a QR code that can be scanned upon arrival at a venue. The pass can be downloaded to your personal phone and stored in your Apple or Google Wallet, or may be printed out.

A Ministry of Health spokesman said people who don't have any of the six accepted identification options or a RealMe account for My Covid Record can call 0800 222 478 for themselves, or someone else they have permission to call on behalf of, to request a My Vaccine Pass or international travel vaccination certificate.

“This will ensure those who are fully vaccinated in New Zealand but don't have one of the accepted forms of identification can still get their vaccination pass or international travel vaccination certificate.

“The ministry is also considering face-to-face channels for people to obtain their My Vaccine Pass. This could mean people going into vaccinating sites, pharmacies or GPs to obtain their pass.

“We will have more information on this in the coming weeks.

“In the meantime we are asking people to be patient. My Vaccine Pass will not be needed until we move to the Covid-19 Protection Framework.”

Vaccine passes are being generated only for those people who have received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine in New Zealand.

However, on November 29 the rules will be updated so those who meet the criteria for an overseas vaccine that is recognised as “fully vaccinated” in New Zealand will be able to request one.

Anyone vaccinated In New Zealand can get a My Vaccine Pass regardless of immigration status.