Vaccine drive-through

PREPARING: The drive-through Covid vaccination facility at Harry Barker Reserve opens tomorrow. One-way access will be by the Gladstone Road entrance, exiting into Lytton Road. The centre will be open from 10am to 4pm. Picture by Liam Clayton

A drive-through vaccination centre will be in operation at Harry Barker Reserve from tomorrow.

The community centre has been set up by Turanga Health in partnership with Hauora Tairawhiti, Te Runanga o Turanganui-a-Kiwa, Toitu Tairawhiti and Trust Tairawhiti.

Access is via the reserve's entrance on Gladstone Road in a one way system, exiting on to Lytton Road.

The centre will be open from 10am to 4pm and will run for at least seven days or until the region moves to Alert Level 2.

“We are excited to have been able to pull this operation together over the last four days,” Turanga Health chief executive Reweti Ropiha said.

“My staff have put in the hard yards to be able to drive this kaupapa, to turn this site on and provide for our community.

“It is important to note entry is from Gladstone Road only.

“Make sure you use the toilet before you come, “ he advised. “Bring your whanau and your masks with you and ensure the kids have snacks and games to keep them entertained for the whole time, including the 15-minute observation period after vaccination.”

People must stay in their vehicles at all times and ensure they wear appropriate clothing so their upper arms can be easily accessed.

The drive-through centre is only for people in vehicles — no motorbikes or people on foot. No appointment is required.

“The centre is organised into three separate zones — drivers stop to get registered, get the vaccine and then wait and be observed for 15 minutes before leaving.”

Meanwhile, Hauora Tairawhiti's latest figures show that up to August 29, 34,685 vaccines had been given to residents of Tairawhiti.

Of those, 22,742 were first doses while 11,938 people were fully vaccinated.

That means 55 percent of the region's population had received at least one dose, a Hauora Tairawhiti spokeswoman said.

Of the region's Maori population 20 percent have received both doses and 21 percent the first dose only.

Of the Pacific community, 30 percent have had both doses and 28 percent the first dose.

It follows a big weekend of vaccinating here, lifting the total to 5954 vaccinations over the past week.

Covid-19 services this week

■ Ngati Porou Hauora (Te Tini o Porou) and Hauora Tairawhiti (Poutama Clinic) will continue to provide service for all walk-ins this week.

■ The swabbing/testing clinic at 295 Palmerston Road will close this week due to a huge reduction in testing. (Closing date to be confirmed). Swabbing will be provided by GPs.

■ Poutama Clinic will also close and services relocated back to 295 Palmerston Road – Community Vaccination Clinic (date to be confirmed).

■ Turanga Health and Ngati Porou Hauora are back in rural communities providing mobile vaccination clinics this week.