by Katrina Kerr-Bell

Get Vaccinated

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Public health advice cannot be clearer: vaccinations are the most significant tool we have to reduce the risk of serious illness in our communities. If most of us are vaccinated, we can also reduce the risk of outbreaks which can lead to lockdowns and put our health system under pressure.


Where can you get vaccinated?

When you book your appointment, you will be able to choose the vaccination centre that is most convenient to you.

View a list of all of the places we are vaccinating

Options for your vaccination appointment include:

  • In Thorndon, Karori, Johnsonville, Kilbirnie, Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Lower Hutt or Upper Hutt;
  • Māori-led clinics in Porirua, Waiwhetu, Wainuiomata, Waitangirua and Waikanae;
  • Pacific festival events - confirmed dates and locations will be published on the website;
  • Vaccination event for Disabled communities with additional accommodations and support available. Phone 0800 829 935, text 027 281 5017 or email covidvaxaccessibility@ccdhb.org.nz.

Talking to vaccine-hesitant peopleT

It’s normal to have questions about vaccines and to want to make the right decision for you and your loved ones.

If someone you know – a friend, family member or colleague perhaps – asks questions or expresses concern about vaccines, listen to them, acknowledge their feelings and offer correct information if you can.

Be ready to suggest reputable sources of information if they want to learn more.

Here are some ideas to help your conversation:

· Listen with empathy – and acknowledge how they’re feeling.

· Ask open-ended questions – to help you understand their concerns.

· Share trusted information – visit reliable websites or chat to you doctor or nurse.

· Explore reasons for getting vaccinated – share your own reasons and what helped you overcome any concerns.

This information is from an article on the World Health Organization website, also available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Portuguese and Spanish.

Reliable sources of vaccine information

We all need accurate and reliable information to help make a decision for ourselves, our whānau and our communities.

The Unite against COVID website has a new COVID-19 vaccination: Your questions answered page. Topics include how the vaccine was made so quickly, whether you can still get COVID-19 if you have the vaccine.

You can also find the most accurate and reliable information about the COVID-19 vaccine and the vaccine rollout in Aotearoa New Zealand from several trusted sources, including:

· Unite against COVID-19 — Information for all New Zealanders on how to get a COVID-9 vaccination, our vaccination plan and information on vaccine safety and development.

· Ministry of Health — The Ministry of Health leads New Zealand’s health and disability system and has overall responsibility for the management and development of that system.

· Te Puni Kōkiri Karawhiua campaign — To help whānau, hapū, iwi, and Māori communities make an informed choice about the COVID-19 vaccine. It's led by Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry for Māori Development), co-delivered by Te Hiringa Hauora (Health Promotion Agency) and supported by the Ministry of Health and Unite Against COVID-19 teams.

· Ministry for Pacific Peoples — As part of the Government’s response and Unite Against COVID-19 campaign, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples is running a complementary campaign about receiving the vaccine.

· District Health Boards (DHB) websites (listed on the Ministry of Health website)— Check which DHB is responsible for providing health and disability services for your region. You can find trusted information on your local DHB website, including information on COVID-19 vaccinations in your local area.

· Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) — A nationwide organisation based at the School of Population Health at The University of Auckland. It provides independent, factual information based on international and New Zealand scientific research about vaccine-preventable diseases and the benefits and risks of immunisation.

You can also keep up to date with current information and frequently asked questions by following the social media channels of the organisations listed above, or by speaking with your doctor or other health provider.

Download the digital Āwhina app to access information from the Ministry of Health and other trusted sources on your mobile device (phone or tablet) and receive notifications on key COVID-19 vaccine announcements.