No doubt you will have heard a lot in the media recently about the roll out of the COVID vaccine programme in New Zealand. I am lucky enough to have recently had my first dose, as I’m in ‘Group 2’ (frontline healthcare workers) of the Government's COVID-19 Vaccination roll out plan.

I wanted to reach out to our school community to give you some first-hand information around my experience, as well as some information to help you make your informed decision around vaccination for you and your family.

Being vaccinated against COVID-19 won’t be mandatory for students (over 16 year old), or staff, however being in a school where a large proportion of our students (under 16) are unable to get the vaccination means that the more staff, students and parents / caregivers that get vaccinated, the better the chance we have to fight it should COVID-19 find its way into our community.

As a school we will be keeping a database of staff and students who receive the vaccination on file, along with their other vaccination history. This will help us in the future should there be an outbreak to identify those who may be more at risk (ie those who are not vaccinated). We’ll be back in touch closer to the time of roll out around how we will manage this.

We are also heading in to flu season, vaccinating against the flu is another important way to keep ourselves healthy. The more we can stamp out any kinds of bugs the better it is for everyone. We will have vaccinators coming to school in Week Two, Term 2 to offer the convenience of onsite vaccination.

A consent form for your son or daughter to receive the Flu Vaccination at school can be found by clicking here, you will also be sent this via email soon. Once completed you can sign and email to k.begovich@stpauls.school.nz or a hard copy can be returned to the school health clinic by the start of next term. The cost of this is $35.00 which will be disbursed to your account (or free if eligible). Of course, you are welcome to get your child vaccinated earlier with your family GP or healthcare provider.

If you have any questions about this email you’re welcome to contact me.

Have a safe and healthy Easter Break,

Kate Begovich

COVID vaccination Q&As with Nurse Kate

Q. What vaccination did you receive?
A. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. This is a two part vaccination that you have three weeks apart.

Q. Where did you go and what checks did you have to go through to receive the Vaccination?
A. First I had to ring and register for a vaccination time. I needed to provide my NHI number as well as details about my nursing registration.

I then went along to the ‘secret location’, which in my case was the Hamilton Race Course (I presume when they get to Group 3 and Group 4 that more vaccination locations will open up). I had to go through a security check, and there was signage saying no photography past this point.

Q. Did it hurt?
A. Just like other vaccinations I’ve had in the past, it was pretty quick and took no longer than 5 minutes with the vaccinator. I got the jab and then had to wait for 20 minutes. This is to ensure there is no allergic reaction and is standard practice when it comes to receiving any type of vaccination.

Q. After the Vaccination – what did you have to do?
A. After the 20 minutes I got to leave. I was able to drive home and came back to work and was ok!

Q. We know everyone is different – but have you felt any side effects from having the vaccination?
A. Other than a slightly sore arm for a day or so afterwards (which is completely normal and can be expected), I haven’t noticed any side effects at all!

Q. Other than the fancy badge, what did you receive to say you’ve been vaccinated?
A. A little certificate to say I had received my first dose and when to go back for my second dose and the “after your Immunisation” pamphlet.

Q. Will you get the Flu Vaccination this year?
A. ABSOLUTELY! It’s really important that we keep Influenza at bay this year too, probably more so than ever! The more we can stamp out any kinds of bugs the better it is for everyone.

Q. Can you get the Flu Vaccination and the COVID-19 Vaccination at the same time?
A. No, you need to have them at least two weeks apart (from your second COVID 19 vaccination). Our school Flu Vaccination programme is in the second week of Term 2, so this should work for most people (if you are in Group 4 which is due to commence in July).

Q. Will we be offering Flu Vaccinations at school this year for Staff and Students?
A. Yes we will, on Tuesday 11th and Thursday 13th May . Staff are also able to get a voucher and go to the Anglesea Clinic Pharmacy at a time convenient to them to get the vaccination. Consent forms will be sent home with students to talk with their parents during the holidays.

Q. Does receiving the Immunisation give you COVID-19?
A. No. None of the authorised and recommended COVID-19 vaccines or COVID-19 vaccines currently in development contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.

All vaccines teach our immune system how to recognise and fight the virus that causes COVID 19, sometimes this process can cause symptoms such as a mild fever these symptoms are normal and a sign that the body is building immunity and protection against the virus

Q. Is there a chance we could have a COVID-19 vaccination station located at our school?
A. We haven’t been asked (yet), but it’s unlikely given the vaccination roll out programme and the fact that the vaccinations need to have special storage etc. If this is an option we will definitely let you know!

Q. How will I know when I am eligible?
A. Firstly, determine what Group you fall into. Then, when the programme moves to the next Group we will likely hear about it on the news. The government hasn’t revealed their plan for full population roll out so we aren’t too sure at this stage either.

Q. How will St Paul’s support me in receiving my vaccine?
A. Again, we don’t quite know how the roll out will go and whether appointments will be able to be made or whether you’ll turn up and wait. When we know more we will let staff know how we can support you to get your vaccination.

Q. Will I go to my Doctor to receive the Vaccination?
A. Maybe? We are not too sure, what will likely happen is they will set up more stations like the one I went to or at places like Claudelands Events Centre where mass numbers of people can attend.

Q. Who should I tell when I receive my COVID-19 Vaccination?
A. We will be keeping a database of staff who receive the vaccination on file, along with other vaccination history. This will help us in the future should there be an outbreak to identify those who may be more at risk (ie those who are not vaccinated).

Q. I’ve got more questions…
A. You’re welcome to pop in and see Kate in the clinic, or you can speak with your GP or Healthcare provider.

Gold medal for waka ama, again!