A drive-through Covid-19 vaccination clinic is being set up in Rotorua. Photo / Getty Images
A drive-through Covid-19 vaccination clinic is being set up in Rotorua. Photo / Getty Images
A drive-through vaccination clinic is being established in Rotorua this week to ensure as many whānau as possible can be protected against Covid-19.
The clinic is a by Māori, for Māori partnership that has been set up by Korowai Aroha, Te Runanga o Ngati Pikiao, Western Heights Health Centre, Manaaki Ora, Te Roopu Hauora o Te Arawa and Te Arawa Covid Hub, supported by Lakes DHB, Rotorua Lakes Council and Civil Defence, Foodstuffs and numerous other groups and organisations.
The vaccines will be administered by clinicians and nursing staff from the supporting Māori Health Providers, with Lakes District Health Board staff involved in helping the clinic to get up and running.
The clinic will run from 10am to 2pm on Wednesday, September 1 to Friday, September 3 in the old Foodstuffs Warehouse at 33 Clayton Rd, and will return in six weeks in the same area to administer the vaccine's second dose.
Bookings are essential online at https://tearawacovid19.nz/vaccination/ or by free phone 0508 TE ARAWA.
There must be a minimum of two people per vehicle and a maximum of four. This is to help with observation in the vehicle during the 15-minute period following vaccination.
Medical staff will be on-site in case anyone has a reaction.
All the details on booking a vaccine at Rotorua's drive-through clinic. Photo / Supplied
This clinic is only suitable for cars or SUVs. Motorbikes, trucks, or other high-sided vehicles will not be able to go through the clinic.
While vaccinating the most vulnerable in these communities is a priority, the drive-through clinic is open for everyone.
Te Runanga o Ngāti Pikiao GP and member of Te Roopu Hauora o Te Arawa Dr Grace Malcolm said the purpose of the drive-through clinic was to increase the number of vaccinations for Māori and other vulnerable members of the community – as soon as possible.
"We understand it's not always easy for our most vulnerable whānau to access the Covid-19 vaccine through conventional channels. This clinic is a way to bridge that gap and ensure the vaccine is accessible to everyone.
"The community and marae-based outreach clinics have proven hugely successful, but these are not possible in level 4 or level 3. We need to significantly increase the number of Māori who are vaccinated and the drive-through clinic makes it safe and easy for them to do so.
"Having said that, the clinic is open for all – the more people we have vaccinated in our community, the better we will be able to protect all of our vulnerable people."
Dr Malcolm said the current Covid-19 Delta variant outbreak highlighted the critical need to fast-track vaccination rates across the country.
"Ensuring people have accurate information about the vaccine and removing barriers to getting it are vital. Vaccinating against Covid-19 is still the most effective way to protect our whānau and their loved ones.
"Tukua mai, kia piri, Tukua mai, kia tata, Waiariki nui tonu - Let it be, come hither, let it be, let us unite the people of Waiariki."
Go to https://tearawacovid19.nz/vaccination/ to book your vaccination online.
A drive-through Covid-19 vaccination clinic will also be held in Taupō this week.
The event takes place on Friday, September 3 and Saturday, September 4 in the Taupō Events Centre car park at 26 AC Baths Ave, Tauhara, Taupō.
The immunisation hub at Totara St will be closed for these two days.
Lakes DHB expects to administer 1200 doses each day.
This is a community partnership and local iwi will have a special code for Māori residents to book. A similar event was held successfully in Tūrangi from August 25 to 27, with almost 900 doses administered.
Anyone who has an appointment booked for the Totara St site will be contacted and advised to attend the drive-through.
The drive-through will run from 10am to 3.30pm for booked appointments only. This is not a drop-in facility. Road closures will be in place.
Drive-through vaccination is only suitable for passenger cars or SUVs. Unfortunately, we cannot accept motorbikes, trucks, or other high-sided vehicles at drive-through centres.
If you have a history of fainting or other serious reactions following vaccinations, we recommend you don't get your vaccination in a drive-through vaccination centre.
Private conversations are more challenging at a drive-through site.
If you need a detailed conversation about your vaccination, call your GP or Healthline first or attend a non-drive-through vaccination centre.
If you have symptoms of Covid-19 or are required to self-isolate (including because you are waiting for your test results), do not come to your vaccination appointment. This applies to all vaccination centres, including drive-through vaccination.
Getting your vaccination at a drive-through vaccination centre · Where possible, wear a face covering. · Come prepared in case you need to wait in queue for a period of time. · Sit next to a car door that can be opened. · Wear clothing allowing the vaccinator easy access to your upper arm. You should expect to receive the vaccine in the arm closest to the car window. · Always stay in your vehicle, unless you are asked to step out by vaccination staff.
