It’s been wonderful to see people out and about over summer, having a great time in the sun while also taking COVID precautions to keep us all safe.
Enjoying the long summer days and the chance to spend them with friends and whānau has been possible due to the hard work everyone has put in over the last two years.
Thanks to the dedication of people in Auckland Central and right across New Zealand, we’ve entered 2022 in a good position – with a stronger-than-expected economy, historically low unemployment, and among the lowest rates of cases, hospitalisations, and deaths in the OECD. Our high vaccination
rates and the safeguards of the traffic light system have meant we’ve been able to enjoy a great summer break.
However, in the past couple of months, we’ve seen the impact Omicron has had overseas. Many countries are grappling with soaring cases, overloaded hospitals, and new restrictions to slow the spread. Our border controls have protected us from Omicron so far, but we know we need to be prepared for cases.
Children aged 5 to 11 are now eligible to be immunised against COVID-19 – so parents can choose to protect their kids and, by extension, those around them. Meanwhile, most vaccinated adults will be eligible to receive booster doses by the end of February. These are both vital parts of our response to Omicron.
The Pfizer vaccine for children is available at sites throughout New Zealand, including walk-ins, drive- throughs, hauora providers, community pharmacies, and general practices. Getting vaccinated now is a great way to help protect tamariki before they go back to school. While children who contract COVID may have milder symptoms, some will still get very sick and end up in hospital. Immunised tamariki are also less likely to spread the virus to vulnerable members of the whānau.
This is a parent’s choice, and it’s really important to get the information you need to make that choice – whether by chatting to your healthcare provider, visiting covid19.govt.nz, or talking to a trained advisor on the COVID Vaccination Healthline at 0800 28 29 26. Once you have all the information, you can find a nearby vaccination site and make a booking on bookmyvaccine.nz.
Meanwhile, if you’re aged 18 or over and it’s been at least four months since your second dose, you’re now eligible for your booster. I really encourage you to go out and get it as soon as you can, as data suggests that a booster dose can provide better protection against Omicron.
It’s brilliant we have two extra tools to ramp up our defences against Omicron. Of course, masking up, scanning in, and using our vaccine passes remain some of the most important ways we can take care of each other. Thank you to all of those here in Auckland Central who are already taking these simple steps as you move around our community. It makes a real difference and will allow us to do more of what we love in the year ahead.
www.facebook.com/HelenWhiteLabour
Published 4 March 2022