A covid clinic will be held in Eketahuna tomorrow. PHOTO/FILE
The first rural outreach covid-19 vaccination clinic in the MidCentral area will be held in Eketahuna this weekend.
Eketahuna residents and those in the surrounding area aged 16 and over were encouraged to book in for the clinic, which would be held on Saturday, July 24.
Pae Ora Whaiora Hauora Maori Directorate strategy and integration lead Adele Small said the clinic would be held from 9am until 5pm at the Eketahuna Community Centre.
“We know it can be harder for people and their whanau in rural communities to get into central vaccination sites, so we want to ensure communities have easy access to opportunities to be vaccinated and protect themselves and their whanau from covid-19.”
The clinic had been driven by Eketahuna Health Centre, with support from Rangitane and Ngati Kahungunu iwi, and MidCentral District Health Board staff.
Bookings for the clinic were essential.
“We encourage Eketahuna residents to book in for their vaccines quickly, and we are expecting a good turnout,” Small said.
“The vaccine is free and safe, and there is enough vaccine for everyone. If this clinic is fully booked, we will be providing additional clinics in the future.”
Other rural vaccination clinics were also planned across the MidCentral district.
Kaumatua and kuia [elders] Warren and Everlyn Chase held a crucial role in connecting the DHB with the community.
“It’s been important for us to be involved in getting our community vaccinated so that we can be safe and continue to be around for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” Warren said.
“We really hope people take up this opportunity to get vaccinated and protect themselves and their whanau from covid-19.”
Eketahuna residents who had not received an invitation to book their vaccine were advised to call Eketahuna Health Centre on 06 375 8188.
