Age Concern's warning as Central Hawke's Bay firm charges elderly $50 to set up vaccine pass

People are being reminded of free services at libraries and many pharmacies for help setting up the vaccine pass. Photo / NZME

That will be $50 thanks.

An IT company in Central Hawke's Bay is charging elderly clients a $50 fee to set up their My Vaccine Pass.

The questionable service has led to an advocacy group issuing a warning to elderly residents that they don't require an IT professional to set up the pass and "there are many free options available in our community".

Waipukurau Computer Services (Wycom) has been advertising a service for $60 per person or $100 for a couple to set up the vaccine pass.

Owner Stuart Jane said the service was actually $50 per person and they had been offering it for about a week.

He said they started offering it after noticing more and more people inquiring about the pass.

"I put an ad on the radio, which I had to pay for, then I discovered the library are doing it for free."

He said if he knew there were free services in the community he would not have started the paid service.

However, he said he was still offering the paid service as he claimed clients wanted it, and the store was not receiving any Government subsidy to take time out to set it up for clients.

"We can't do everything for nothing," he said.

You can get the pass as a print out or on a device such as a phone. Photo / NZME

"If they come in here and we tell them what it is going to cost and they agree [then I don't see a problem]."

He said they offered a thorough service and they told clients there was a free service at the library.

Jane did not say how many people had paid for the service but said about "20 to 25" people had inquired, including mostly elderly customers.

Age Concern Hawke's Bay manager Dee Withers said people did not require an IT professional to set up the pass.

"You don't require a specialised technology service to access your vaccine pass and there are many free options available in our community," she said.

"We strongly encourage anyone in the community who would like some help to access the free support being offered at local pharmacies, libraries, health centres and at our local Age Concern offices."

People can visit Age Concern's office at 3 Porongahau Rd in Waipukurau to get free assistance.

Waipukurau Library (inside the Knowledge and Learning Hub), Waipawa Library and Unichem Pharmacy in Waipukurau are also offering free services for anyone wanting to set up the pass as a print out or on their phone or device.

"The council staff provide direct support in completing the online application form, printing and laminating the pass," a Central Hawke's Bay District Council spokeswoman said, about the free service at its two libraries.

"There is a small cost of $2 for lamination which is optional."

Unichem Pharmacy in Waipukurau confirmed they had helped over 250 people just during Tuesday and Wednesday with setting up the pass.

The Covid traffic light system will kick in on Friday across the country which includes vaccine passes for the double vaccinated. It will allow vaccinated persons to access many services and facilities that the unvaccinated can not.