Vaccination roll out to continue in Taranaki as planned

The Taranaki COVID-19 Vaccination programme will be continuing to administer COVID-19 vaccinations at its clinics as planned, but under Alert Level 4 restrictions.

This means that those attending their vaccination appointments will be asked to observe a 2 metre social distancing requirement, wear face coverings and use hand sanitizer when requested.

Clinic numbers will be reduced to allow for social distancing - people are being advised that they will be contacted if their booking needs to be rescheduled, otherwise they should turn up at their scheduled appointment time.

Rachel Court, Taranaki COVID-19 Vaccination programme operations lead, said “As a programme, we remain focused on delivering vaccinations to Taranaki people, and to provide the best level of protection against COVID-19 for them, their families and the community as a whole.

“We ask everyone who attends a vaccination clinic to please observe the restrictions in place for their own safety, and our wonderful vaccination team.”

The main vaccination centres in New Plymouth and Hawera are closed for today (Weds 18)and tomorrow (Thurs 19), but will reopen on Friday as normal.

Vaccination appointments at GP clinics and pharmacies will also be running as planned, but again under Level 4 restrictions. People will be contacted if their appointment time needs to be changed as a result.

The Stratford Community Clinic will go ahead this Friday and Saturday. Planning is still underway to ensure Level 4 requirements can be observed, and the safety of both the public and staff is paramount. If booking times need to be changed, individuals will be contacted directly.

“Please be patient if you are asked to wait, our vaccination team will be doing their best to ensure you receive your vaccination as efficiently and safely as possible,” says Rachel.

The 40+ age group bookings opened today, and people are being encouraged to go to bookmyvaccine.nz to make their appointment.