The first batch of COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered today to New Zealand border workers. Yesterday, 29 vaccinators in Auckland completed a week of preparations, receiving the first COVID-19 vaccines.
Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield says New Zealand has arrived at a key point in its pandemic response. “Today’s vaccinations reinforce the value of what we’ve all been doing for the past 12 months to keep COVID-19 at bay,” Dr Bloomfield says in addressing a media conference in Auckland marking the vaccinations.
“This is an important first step and we will be moving through these first few days and weeks in a measured way to make sure our systems and processes are solid.”
Dr. Bloomfield says on Monday the programme will be rolled out in Wellington and then Christchurch on Wednesday. Over the next few weeks the aim is to start to vaccinate the rest of New Zealand’s 12 thousand border and MIQ workers.
“Once they’ve been vaccinated, we’ll start vaccinating the members of their household contacts. “The finer details of the wider public roll out later in the year are being finalised and information on when and how people can get their vaccinations will be announced soon.
Image credit: Ministry of Health Manatū Hauora: Linda Masoe receives COVID-19 vaccine at Jet Park Quarantine Facility.