MidCentral hits 90 per cent double dose in time for holidays

Ninety per cent of the general and Pasifika population in MidCentral DHB are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19, with Māori very close to that.

MidCentral District Health Board has reached a significant milestone in the Covid-19 vaccination rollout with 90 per cent of the general and Pasifika population of the rohe now fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

More than 288,000 doses of the Pfizer and 75 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines have been administered in the rohe since the programme began.

Bronwen Warren, MidCentral DHB Covid-19 response manager, said reaching the 90 per cent milestone is a significant achievement for the vaccination programme team.

"Since the programme began, more than 80 vaccinators and 25 administration and logistics staff have joined the programme to protect their community - and that is just within the MidCentral Covid-19 response team.

"We also recognise the mahi from our partner organisations; the many nurses, iwi and Māori health providers, doctors and community pharmacists who have been integral to the rollout."

Bronwen also credits the MidCentral community for joining together to protect their communities.

"There are not many places in the world that have achieved this level of vaccination, and we are thankful for every person who has had a conversation with a friend, colleague or family member and rolled up their sleeves to get vaccinated."

Leading into 2022, Bronwen says there is still work to do.

"We are committed to all eligible members of our community reaching over 90 per cent fully vaccinated. With 90 per cent of our eligible Māori population reaching the first dose milestone last week, and second doses for Māori not far behind, we are confident we will reach this milestone soon."

According to data from the Ministry of Health released on Thursday, more than 20,709 Māori have had their first dose, with 18,698 fully vaccinated (77 per cent).

Adele Small, MidCentral DHB Covid-19 vaccination iwi and Māori engagement lead, said that reaching 90 per cent first dose is a significant achievement for the region and a testament to the partnership with Iwi and Māori providers.

"We know Māori are at risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19 and that they make up a high number of the cases in the Delta outbreak in New Zealand.

"This is why it's so important for us to vaccinate as many people as we can to give our community the best possible chance against Covid-19."

Ms Small said vaccination rates have been achieved through a community-led approach.