First-dose 90% vaccination milestone for Waitematā DHB Pacific population

Congratulations Pasifika!

That’s the word from Waitematā DHB, following the release of encouraging new Ministry of Health vaccination numbers.
The figures show 90% of the DHB’s eligible Pacific population has now received a first dose of the COVID19 vaccine – up from the 84% recorded a month ago.

The milestone puts Waitematā’s Pacific population well on track to achieving the 90% ‘fully vaccinated’ target set by the Government for everyone.

“This is fantastic news,” says Dr Josephine Aumea Herman, Waitematā DHB’s Director of Pacific Health.

“Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen – the Pacific community has really come together over the past few weeks to help get us across the line.”

“Now, we need to keep going – I encourage anyone who has yet to get vaccinated to make sure they get it done as soon as possible. I also encourage anyone who is partially vaccinated to get a second shot as soon as it is due, three weeks after the first dose. Remember - vaccination will help keep you, your friends, your families and our Waitematā DHB community safe.”

Waitematā DHB has been working closely with Pacific churches, community leaders and health providers on multiple initiatives to promote vaccination and answer questions to reduce hesitancy.

Geographically-targeted pop-up vaccination centres aimed at specific Pacific groups have assisted – as has a large Pacific-led vaccination centre set up in conjunction with Pacific Health provider, The Fono, at
Westgate.
“We are all united in our efforts to promote vaccination as one of the most-effective public health tools we have – alongside wearing face-masks and physical distancing – to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and minimise its impact,” Dr Herman says.

“It’s all about building relationships and trust – reconnecting to the familial ties that help bridge some of the cultural and language barriers that may have contributed to delays in people getting vaccinated.”

“I am proud of our people and the way they are getting behind this project – together we will achieve the high vaccination coverage that will keep us all as safe as possible this Christmas and beyond.”