More than 140 members of Hamilton’s Pacific community came out in force over the weekend to be vaccinated against Covid-19 and influenza.
Rally your village, a vaccination drive through, was organised by health services provider K’aute Pasifika, in partnership with the Waikato District Health Board, Anglesea Pharmacy, Neville Kane Pharmacy and Pinnacle Midlands Health Network.
Described as a ‘one-stop shop’ for community health, the event offered Covid-19 vaccinations for adults and children, flu jabs, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) , support to stop smoking, breast screening enrolments and cervical smears.
K’aute Pasifika CEO Leaupepe Rachel Karalus says it is important that Pacific people feel supported when getting their vaccinations.
“We know that our booster rates and paediatric vaccinations for Pacific people could be better. We want our people to feel they have a welcoming place to come and receive support and get their vaccinations. Trust, respect and creating a safe and fun space with a Pacific vibe was important. Our target group was children and it was heartening to see many families bring their children.”
“Our communities deserve the best, and we know that by working together with other organisations we are able to provide more services that our people can benefit from.”
Over 140 people received their vaccination and half that number received a flu jab. The event was filled with Pacific flavour including free food and vouchers. Fun activities including a spinning wheel with free prizes for kids proved popular.
Current Covid-19 vaccination statistics for Māori and Pacific people in the Waikato show 88 percent of Māori are fully vaccinated and 52 per cent have received their booster. Meanwhile, 97 percent of Pacific peoples are fully vaccinated and 59 percent have received their booster.
Waikato District Health Board Director Pacific Health Tamati Peni said there was a wonderful sense of community at the event.
“The day was bursting with Pacific flare and hospitality, it was so exciting to see our pharmacy and PHO partners join the cause and provide integrated health services, and we will keep working to do more.”
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