Ellen Curnow.
Reefton is not the first town in New Zealand to offer Covid-19 vaccines to the wider community - Murchison has beaten it by a month.
File image.
Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal
Reefton s vaccination clinic has been touted as the first to provide vaccines to people outside the priority groups of frontline border and health workers.
However, Murchison began its vaccination programme for the wider community last month.
Nelson Marlborough Health general manager strategy, primary and community Cathy O Malley said it was a more efficient use of vaccinators time and the vaccine to offer it to the wider community in more remote areas like Murchison.
“I’m pleased I’ve done it. I wasn’t worried about it [the vaccination] . I’m probably more excited about having it done here and having it done with my whānau . to me that’s important,” Powick said. “It’s really critical that we get good information around our health, and that we take responsibility personally and collectively for our health practices.”
SCOTT HAMMOND/STUFF
Waikawa Marae members, from left, George Aldridge Rita Powick, and Ngaro Moana Aldridge have a cup of tea after receiving their first dose of the Covid vaccine. The special clinic was a collaboration between Te Piki Oranga, Nelson Marlborough Health, the Marlborough Primary Health Organisation and Waikawa Marae.
She s a pretty big jab: PHO doesn t have the workforce to vaccinate community stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.