A Covid-19 survivor is urging Pasifika to get vaccinated at a Mega Vax Pacific event at Mt Smart Stadium starting this Friday.
Tuala Tagaloa Tusani was hospitalised in September with the virus and wants to prevent others from experiencing the same pain.
“It felt like I was burning from the inside. Getting the vaccine will help keep our community out of hospital and prevent us from dying. Please bring your family and friends to this event to help protect us all against this disease.”
The Pacific Leadership Forum (PLF) has organised the event to help protect the Pasifika community, which has been hit hard by the Delta outbreak.
“We are facing a challenging task to engage and mobilise this last group of vaccine hesitant and vaccine resistant,” says PLF Chairman Pakilau Manase Lua. “However, we are determined to not leave anyone behind in this pandemic and stand in unity against the virus, not the people.”
As of November 9, Waitemata’s Pacific rate for second doses is 75%, compared to 84% of the overall Waitemata population; Auckland’s Pacific rate for second doses is at 74%, compared with an overall rate of 88%; and Counties-Manukau’s Pacific rate is at 72%, compared with an overall rate of 81%.
The Mega Vax Pacific event will have “a drive-through journey” of sights and sounds from nine Pacific nations and includes appearances from Pacific sports celebrities, musicians, Auckland councillors and MPs.
Mt Smart Stadium is home to the NZ Warriors, so a special photo frame will be on display. Prize draws and competitions will also be running throughout the three days.
The MVP event is a collaborative effort between PLF, Northern Regional Health Coordination Centre, South Seas Healthcare, Pasefika Family Health Group, Auckland Unlimited and Ministry of Health. Although it’s targeting Pacific people, everyone is invited to join in.
The event runs from this Friday 12 – Sunday 14 November, 9am to 5pm at Mt Smart Stadium.
