The announcement ends the week on a high, just as the country announces our first Omicron case and families everywhere are preparing for the Christmas migration. Vaccination is one of the best tools we have to keep our local communities protected from the virus, and the high uptake comes as a great relief for our community leaders and health workforce.
“A lot of hard mahi has gone into our vaccination programme and it has all been on top of a very busy business as usual,” Oliff says. “I am extremely proud of all the staff that have been central to this success.”
“From the outset of the vaccination rollout I have said that this was our principal focus – reaching our target to vaccinate and protect our community. The targets have changed as we learned more about the pandemic and government altered course accordingly. What started as a 70% target quickly became 90%, but for us it was always about vaccinating our eligible population and not putting any ceiling on it.”
“Every person able to vaccinate is helping to protect all those that can’t,” Oliff explains. “We never wanted to leave anyone behind.”
And we haven’t. While our Māori population is slightly lagging, there are less than 800 people to receive their second dose. A fully vaccinated Māori population is looking far more achievable now. Oliff says that is due to a huge effort from iwi leaders and providers throughout the region and a lot of hard work from some really dedicated staff.
The DHB is not pulling back on the vaccinations either.
“Our clinics are reducing hours a little over the Christmas period but we are still working full steam ahead,” says Oliff. “As long as people remain eligible for first or second doses, or for boosters, we will be vaccinating.”
The DHB is cautioning people not to get complacent over summer. Even vaccinated people can get and spread Covid, and the usual precautions like handwashing, mask wearing, scanning in and keeping a healthy distance from people you don’t know remain important.
“Every single household can prepare themselves for the virus knocking on their door,” Oliff says. “There are things that people can put in place now – like having food stores and medications on hand in case they have to go into ten day isolation, having a support plan with friends and family, and knowing what neighbours can step in if the farm needs working while you are sick at home.”
Covid is set to dominate our lives for a long time yet, but the 90% fully vaccinated achievement was a critical part of the support net and it is excellent to see it achieved this side of Christmas.
“It’s the best Christmas present yet!” Oliff says. “I am delighted.”
