The new drive-through vaccination site in Masterton. PHOTO/GRACE PRIOR
Wairarapa’s newest covid-19 vaccination clinic has opened as the nationwide rollout expands to include younger people.
From yesterday, anyone aged over 12 can book in for a shot of the Pfizer vaccine.
Previously, vaccinations were available for people in Groups 1, 2, and 3, and people aged 30 or older.
On Monday, the region’s newest vaccination clinic started offering drive-through injections at the Colombo Rd netball courts in Masterton.
It joins the three existing clinics in Wairarapa; the Departmental Building and Tekau Ma Iwa clinics in Masterton, and the Featherston Community Centre.
Wairarapa District Health Board spokeswoman Anna Cardno said while bookings were preferred, the clinics could take non-booked people, although the wait would be longer.
“Booking times are indicative only and people should expect some delay, bring water and snacks as needed,” she said.
“Wear loose fitting clothing to allow your upper arm to be bare for the vaccination.
“Your arm closest to the car window will be the one vaccinated.”
At the Colombo Rd clinic, people with bookings would be directed to dedicated lanes once inside the netball courts, Cardno said.
Marquees were seen being erected at the netball courts over the weekend, causing some social media users to speculate the facilities would be used for covid-19 testing.
However, a post on the DHB’s Facebook page on Saturday evening dispelled these rumours.
“We are testing only at medical centres. We have no need to upscale – our testing is being managed just fine,” the post read.
“We know the Departmental Building in Masterton isn’t working so well in bad weather. A drive-through option is proving really effective elsewhere, and the courts will allow us to deliver better, faster, more efficient vaccinations.
“We did use the location last year for testing, so we are sorry if you were anxious we had a need for high scale covid tests again.”
To book your vaccine call 0800 28 29 26 from 8am to 8pm, or go online to www.BookMyVaccine.nz
Wairarapa’s Covid-19 vaccination clinics
• Departmental Building: 35-37 Chapel St, Masterton – beside Subway Monday-Saturday mornings 8:30am-12:30pm
• Colombo Rd Netball Courts Drive Through: Enter ONLY from the north – Te Ore Ore Rd end
Open Monday-Saturday afternoons
Clinic 1: first car in 1:30pm, last car in 3:45pm
Clinic 2: first car in 5:15pm, last car in 7:15pm
• Tekau Ma Iwa: Enter via Whaiora carpark
394 Queen Street, Masterton – opposite City Fitness Open Friday and Saturday 9:30am-4pm
• Featherston: Featherston Community Centre, 14 Wakefield Street
