Wairoa is on target to reach 90% of the community being double vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Recent figures show 70% of Wairoa’s population have received a double vaccination and 81% have received one vaccination.

Wairoa Mayor Craig little said the ideal time to be vaccinated, whether it is your first or second vaccination, is now, before the Government opens the Auckland border on December 15.

“I am concerned that we have pockets of our community where our vaccination rates are lower and also that our Māori vaccination rates are lower with 63% of Māori people being double vaccinated and 75% having received a single vaccination.”

Mr Little said there is also a push to have people in the 12-14 age bracket and 45-49 age bracket vaccinated.

“Local organisations are running Super Saturday this weekend at the Wairoa Lighthouse on Saturday November 27 from 9am-1pm. I hope lots of people use this opportunity to get their first or second vaccinations and I know there will be plenty of incentives with spot prizes and a chance to win an iPhone 13 and tickets to Six60.”

The Queen St Practice, based at the hospital, has a walk-in vaccination service from Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm with no bookings needed, and between 3-4pm on Saturday and Sundays.

Kahungunu Executive is also running clinics and has the vaccination bus visiting areas throughout the district.

“I know this service will vaccinate people in their own homes so please phone 0800 621700 to arrange an appointment. That goes for outlying areas and farms, it’s a great opportunity to get a group together in more isolated areas and make a group vaccination booking.

“At the end of the day this is about protecting our whānau and ensuring our whānau are thriving. We don’t want this virus to spread, our community is too vulnerable.

“We don’t have a lot of tools in the toolbox against COVID, but we do know that being vaccinated reduces your likelihood of getting COVID, lessens the likelihood of spread and reduces the severity of symptoms.

“Covid will arrive at Wairoa and whānau need to think about how they will isolate at home if someone from their household gets Covid. Your family plan needs to include basics like food, cleaning and washing. You will also need to think about other important areas like who will look after your pets and your children.

“Please, roll up your sleeves and get vaccinated for yourself and for your whānau.”

23 November 2021

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