This contributed to yesterday seeing the highest number of doses administered to Pacific People in Wellington, with 1107 vaccinations across various sites.
This clinic followed the success of the kaupapa Māori Waiwhetū drive-through which began last weekend with 600 doses delivered in the first two days.
Wellington City is next in line, with a drive-through clinic at Sky Stadium in Wellington city open now. The first day on Friday 27th was for essential workers and their bubbles, while the general public can book in now for appointments from Saturday 28 August.
Bookings for Sky Stadium can be made online at www.BookMyVaccine.nz (enter Pipitea in the location box and select 'Sky Stadium Drive-Thru') or freephone 0800 28 29 26.
In Porirua, Cars lined up from early morning at the pop-up clinic in North City Plaza Porirua, facilitated by Ora Toa, Pacific Health Providers, and Whitireia School of Nursing.
2DHB Pacific Health director Junior Ulu said the initial focus was on vaccinating Māori, Pacific, and Disabled people. “These minority groups can get lost," he said. "So the DHB has prioritised reaching out to these groups today.” The drive-through clinic will continue to operate for several days.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact on Pacific communities in New Zealand. As Pacific people also experience worse health outcomes, this is a worrying time, and so CCDHB’s Pacific Health team has doubled down on efforts to make sure families are tested and vaccinated.
The team has pivoted from the ‘festival days’ – mass vaccination events aimed at Pacific People that took place at alert level 1 – to lower-contact events that are safer under alert level 4. It’s been able to achieve this by working closely with government departments, inter-agency organisations, church leaders, and crucially with Pacific Health providers.
“We are actively working towards organising further drive-through clinics across our region in the coming days,” said 2DHB Chief Executive Fionnagh Dougan.
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