Rural community clinic tour a success
6 October 2021
More than 300 people from Taranaki’s most rural communities received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination during the first week of the programme’s around-the-mountain clinic tour.
Bevan Clayton-Smith, Taranaki COVID-19 Vaccination programme senior responsible officer, said “We are delighted with the fantastic response from our rural communities, and very pleased we were able to remove the barriers of time and distance to receiving their vaccination for them.
“Ensuring that every eligible person in Taranaki has the opportunity to be vaccinated has long been a central kaupapa for the programme, and rural clinics are an important part of that for the region.
“Our outreach teams have really appreciated all the positive feedback, aroha and delicious kai they have been getting, too.”
The tour continues for another two weeks, visiting another 10 communities including Rahotu, Pihama, Auroa, Kaponga and Mimi, to administer first dose vaccinations. The vaccination team will then return for second dose clinics in November.
With cases reported on Sunday in Raglan and Hamilton, and a Level 3 lockdown in place just across the district border, Clayton-Smith is keen to stress the importance of getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
“Make no mistake, COVID-19 is headed for Taranaki, and the impact it will have on our whole community should not be underestimated,” he says.
“There are hundreds of free appointment slots right across the rohe, extra pop-up clinics happening on a regular basis, and we are encouraging people to reach out to us if they are experiencing difficulties in accessing their vaccination. All the information about appointment availability can be found on BookMyVaccine.
“The solution to the COVID-19 problem is there and it’s free, safe and very effective. Get vaccinated. It’s as simple as that. Get vaccinated now to stop this virus from damaging our Taranaki communities, our loved ones and our way of life. Protect what you hold dear.”
Anyone who needs additional support to access their vaccination can email Covid.VacEnquiries@tdhb.org.nz
The rural clinic schedule for the next two weeks is:
Appointments can be booked online at BookMyVaccine.nz, or call 800 28 29 26 (8am-8pm, 7 days), and walk-ins are welcome.
For more information please call:
Polly Catlin-Maybury | Communications Advisor | 021 178 8469
Last updated: Wednesday, October 6, 2021