Tuesday 23 November 2021Health news4 minutes to read
West Coasters have only one more week to get their first COVID-19 vaccination in order to be fully vaccinated for Christmas.
People have until Wednesday 1 December to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination if they want to be fully vaccinated for Christmas. This takes into account the need for a three week wait between the first and second doses of the vaccination. It can take up to two weeks after your 2nd dose to develop maximum immunity.
West Coast DHB COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Manager Helen Gillespie says the best way to avoid giving someone COVID for Christmas is to be fully vaccinated.
“We know COVID is coming to the Coast and with the upcoming summer holidays and regional borders being relaxed it could get here soon. The best way to protect the ones we love is to get vaccinated. Unless we increase our vaccination rates the impact of COVID on the Coast could be devastating.”
Helen also warns that the Government’s traffic light system, due to be implemented in a matter of weeks, is going to make it tough on unvaccinated people.
“At orange and red levels unvaccinated people won’t be able to enjoy a lot of things we take for granted, like going out to cafes, bars, gyms or events.
“Being double vaxxed is the key to a funner summer.”
The West Coast has the lowest vaccination rates in the South Island, with 87 per cent of West Coasters having had their first vaccination and 76 per cent being fully vaccinated. Every other DHB in the South Island has already achieved the 90% first vaccination milestone.
Helen Gillespie says the Coast’s vaccination drive has been a massive logistical exercise.
“The Coast is one of the biggest regions in New Zealand and not everyone lives close to clinics. To get over the tyranny of distance our three mobile campervans have been travelling all over the Coast.
“Every day we’re talking to Coasters about the vaccine and how it works. While some people have just required a bit more information and a bit more time, what we’re finding is that once they’re armed with the latest advice they choose vaccination.
“A massive thank you to the over 24,000 Coasters who've already rolled up their sleeve and received their first vaccination. We now need just 937 Coasters to get their first dose to reach the 90% milestone.”
“Achieving 90% by 1 December gives us the chance to get to 90% fully vaxxed by Christmas, something which will significantly reduce the likelihood of the Coast going into ‘Red’ this summer.”
The C’mon Coasters campaign is supporting the vaccination drive. The campaign comprises adverts, social media, posters and billboards featuring photos and quotes from 26 Coasters who give their reasons for getting vaccinated. To view some of the collateral click here.
Anyone wanting information on the vaccination programme or to find their closest vaccination clinic on the Coast can find it at https://vaccinatecanterburywestcoast.nz/
This week’s clinics
Our clinics in Greymouth and Hokitika are operating 7 days a week at the times below until further notice.
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Greymouth
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Weekdays: 10am-7pm Weekend: 10am-4pm |
Community Services building, south-western corner of the Te Nīkau Hospital & Health Centre campus. |
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Hokitika |
Every day: 12.30pm – 6.30pm |
Pakiwaitara, 32 Weld Street, Hokitika |
Westport is now operating 5 days a week at the times below until further notice.
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Westport |
Tuesday – Saturday: 9am-4pm |
Masonic Lodge, Westport, 51 Russell Street. |
Mobile pop up clinics:
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Tuesday, 23 November |
7.30am – 12.30pm |
Mitre 10 Mega Carpark Pop-up Clinic – 41 Waterwalk Road, Greymouth |
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Tuesday, 23 November |
2.00pm – 4.00pm |
Outside the Warehouse, Greymouth |
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Wednesday, 24 November |
11.00am – 1.30pm |
Reefton – Reefton Community Hall, 50 Shiel Street |
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Wednesday, 24 November |
11.30am – 1.00pm |
Springs Junction – Community Hall |
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Wednesday, 24 November |
2.30pm – 4.00pm |
Maruia – Community Hall |
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Friday, 26 November |
11am – 1.00pm |
Moana – Moana Health Clinic |
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Friday, 26 November |
2.30pm – 6.30pm |
Cobden (location TBC) |
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Saturday, 27 November |
12.00pm – 6.00pm |
NBS Theatre, Westport |
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Sunday, 28 November |
10.30am – 12.30am |
Fox River Market, Fox River |
Workplaces pop up clinics:
Our mobile clinics are offering to visit Coast businesses for kai, kōrero and COVID-19 information and vaccination sessions. If you’d like a vaccination team to visit your workplace to answer questions, bring smoko and carry out vaccinations please call 0800 492 342 to book a time
ENDS
Page last updated: 23 November 2021
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