July 29, 2021
Manukau mass vaccination test of strategy
The effectiveness of the Government’s vaccination strategy for Māori and Pasifika will be under the spotlight today as the first mass vaccination event happens in South Auckland.
More than 16,000 people are now booked in for the three-day event at the Manukau Events Centre after the catchment was widened because of slow initial take-up.
Dr Rawiri Jansen from the Māori pandemic response group Te Whakakaupapa Urutā, who has been critical of strategy, fears Māori needs will be swamped as the pace of vaccination heats up now eligibility is extended to group four, covering the bulk of the population.
He hopes the booking system won’t put people off and wants to see more walk-in opportunities for Māori and Pacific people.
“Take your household bubble, go get vaccinated Many of the vaccination centres are opening up in a way which says ‘no appointments necessary. Many of the vaccination centres are opening up in a way that says ‘haere mai, welcome.’ And if you can find that space in your busy lives whānau, go and get vaccinated right now,” Dr Jansen says.
People with bookings for the Manukau event will need to go to the Manukau Institute of Technology campus, where they will be taken by shuttle to the Vodafone Centre.
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