88% (up 1.1%) of Taranaki people are fully vaccinated
93% (up 1.0%) of Taranaki people have received their first dose
76% (up 2.7%) of Taranaki Māori are fully vaccinated
86% (up 1.2%) of Taranaki Māori have received their first dose
91% (up 3.4%) of Taranaki Pacific people are fully vaccinated
> 99% of Taranaki Pacific people have received their first dose
184,625
doses have been administered to people living in Taranaki
2,017
doses to go to reach 90% fully vaccinated
(as of Dec 15, 2021. Percentages indicate increase over the last seven days)
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Taranaki Programme Weekly Update
Santa is getting his My Vaccine Pass ready, ensuring the reindeer have their masks on properly (especially Rudolph, that red nose would see him end up in MIQ for sure) and stocking up the sleigh with sanitiser as he prepares for his annual dash around the globe.
It has been a challenging year for us all as we continue to navigate a world affected by COVID-19. But it has also been a year of success for Taranaki as our vaccination rates are high in general, and climbing for Māori.
Everyone involved in the programme is proud of what we have achieved, and we would like to extend our thanks to all those in the community who have offered their support, the organisations who have helped with sausage sizzles, those who have helped share information and, of course, those who have stepped up to be vaccinated.
Many people hoped that COVID-19 would be done and dusted by the end of the year, but the emergence of the Omicron strain and a resurgence of cases on a huge scale across the world means that we will be continuing our efforts into 2022.
But be assured that we are in a much better position now to meet whatever is coming our way, with more of our community set to be protected with the roll our of the 5-11 year-old vaccinations and changes to the booster protocol helping to strengthen individual and community immunity.
Government Announcement Tuesday 21 December
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Wait reduced for booster shots
The time period between a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination and a booster shot has been reduced to four months to help maintain community protection during the winter months.
The announcement was made yesterday by Minister Chris Hipkins, and will come into effect in early January (date to be advised).
Until then, people can still receive a booster vaccination as long as there has been six months since their last dose.
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Vaccination of tamariki approved
Government approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years old was announced yesterday, and the roll-out will begin on January 17, 2022.
The vaccine to be used is a children’s version of the Pfizer vaccine, with a lower dose and smaller volume.
Tamariki need two doses of the vaccine to be fully protected, given at least 8 weeks apart.
Pfizer’s trial results show that the vaccine produces an immune response in 5 to 11 year olds similar to that seen in other age groups. Side effects are also reported to be similar to those experienced by older age groups. This includes common side effects such as headache, a sore arm and fatigue following vaccination.
The COVID-19 virus can be unpredictable. While COVID-19 generally has milder effects in children, with symptoms being similar to a cold, some tamariki become severely ill and require hospitalisation. In addition, tamariki can have rare complications such as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) that may require intensive care. Tamariki can also suffer long term effects (known as long COVID), even after mild cases of COVID-19.
Immunising 5 to 11-year-old tamariki also helps protect those whose health makes them more vulnerable to COVID-19 and slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The Pfizer vaccine provides protection against both the Delta and Omicron strains of the virus.
The roll-out in Taranaki will be community-based, with an emphasis on reaching out to Māori whānau, those living in rural and isolated places and disabled children. Vaccinating GP clinics and community pharmacies, and our Māori health partner-providers will be offering the service, so families can choose where the best place for their child to be vaccinated would be.
A parent or caregiver will need to accompany a child to a vaccination appointment in order to provide consent.
More information about the paediatric vaccination, ways to prepare a child to receive their shot and where to go and get the vaccine administered will be available in the New Year.
In the meantime, here are a couple of links to reliable, scientifically based data and insights to help parents and caregivers become more informed.
Vaccination of 5-11 year old's | The Immunisation Advisory Centre (immune.org.nz)
Younger children and COVID vaccines: 5-11 year olds | The Immunisation Advisory Centre (immune.org.nz)
COVID-19 vaccine and children: Information for parents and caregivers | Ministry of Health NZ
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If you wish to be vaccinated over the holiday period, please see the opening hours for our two main vaccination centres below.
Tui Ora are taking a break over the holiday period with their last vaccinations for 2021 on Christmas Eve (24 Dec), 9am - 12pm at their Maratahu Street clinic. They will reopen on Tuesday 6 January.
Ngāti Ruanui Healthcare, by Hāwera Hospital, will be vaccinating throughout the holiday period, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 26 and 27 Dec 2021, and New Year's Day and 2, 3 and 4 January 2022.
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This is the last programme update for the year - the next pānui will be distributed on Thursday 13 January, 2022
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