Those who walked in were warned the wait could be up to 90 minutes, although most were getting through in 30 minutes. Queenie Going said offering the vaccine to all over-50s was a good idea, especially for people like her with respiratory conditions, as she has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). “I work at One Double Five Tai Tokerau Community Law and I deal with people all the time, so I need to take care of myself,” she said. The fact New Zealand had opened a travel bubble with Australia – and a man escaped into Northland from the Perth lockdown – were also on her mind when she decided to get the vaccine.
Offering vaccines to this age group bucks the Ministry of Health advice to prioritise frontline healthcare workers and, from May, people over 65 and those with relevant health conditions. But Northland chief executive Dr Nick Chamberlain said the ministry’s vaccination framework is flexible, and Northland has vulnerable Māori, Pacifica and rural populations.
Supplied
Dr Nick Chamberlain, head of Northland District Health Board, says the decision was made to offer vaccines to all over-50s to ensure the district does not lag behind. “We cannot let Northland lag the rest of New Zealand in yet another health statistic, and this is the best way we can ensure that doesn’t happen,” he said.
Covid-19 vaccine starts for over 50s in Northland
26 Apr, 2021 09:21 PM
2 minutes to read
Covid-19 vaccination centres for over 50s are being run in Whangārei and Kaitaia today.
Photo / NZME
Covid-19 vaccination centres for over 50s are being run in Whangārei and Kaitaia today.
Photo / NZME
Northern Advocate
If you are over 50 and wish to get a Covid-19 vaccination in Northland, head to Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei and Kaitaia Hospital today.
The Northland District Health Board is inviting people over 50 to attend the walk-in clinic in Whangārei between 12pm and 7pm and in Kaitaia from 10am to 5pm.
Northland over-50s have access to Covid vaccine - find out where to get it
27 Apr, 2021 05:00 AM
6 minutes to read
Covid 19 vaccinations for over 50s at Semenoff Stadium Whangarei
Imran Ali is a reporter for the Northern Advocateimran.ali@nzme.co.nznorthernadvocat
Covid-19 vaccination for Northlanders aged over 50 and other vulnerable groups has been brought forward to reduce waste and increase the availability of the vaccine.
About 50 people had their jab at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei in the first 30 minutes, while a similar number waited in the NZ Vikings Lounge, and a small queue of people were seen at the entrance when the walk-in clinic began at noon today.
Northland District Health Board said it changed the age limit when it realised people over 65 had been offered their flu vaccine last week.
Those who took it would have to wait two weeks before getting their Covid-19 immunisation, meaning fewer people were eligible for their Covid-19 shot.
Northland DHB said the age was changed to reduce any vaccine waste and to accommodate the age of Northland s rural communities.
There was a large queue of people waiting to get the Covid-19 vaccine when the Whangārei clinic opened at midday today, but not everyone was aware of the age change.
Chantelle Thompson brought her grandparents from Whangaruru to get the vaccination - but she said she would have brought more whānau had she known.