Auckland, June 18, 2021
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had a Covid-19 vaccination in Auckland today (Jun1 18, 2021).
She hailed it as a personal milestone.
After the inoculation, Ardern told media that it was “pretty pain-free” and felt better than having the flu vaccination.
Earlier she said: “For me, it is really a big milestone to be a part of what is the biggest vaccination event and the biggest health rollout in our history. It is really an important milestone for me.”
She announced staggered age bands for the rollout of the vaccine to the wider population.
Those aged 60 or over would be eligible from July 28, 2021, and those aged 55 and over from August 11, 2021.
Further age cohorts would be confirmed following more Pfizer shipments in July.
Immunisation Programme ‘pleasing’
Ardern told Morning Report today that despite about only 7.7% of the population is fully vaccinated, she is pleased with progress of the immunisation programme.
There are over 340,000 people in the country who are fully vaccinated, and sometime next week, it is expected that the millionth dose will be administered.
Ardern said that the government was constantly reviewing and improving its managed isolation service.
MIQ facilities under review
An independent review of the country’s 31 managed isolation facilities has made 82 recommendations for improvements.
Eight of the recommendations are deemed ‘high priority’ – including strengthening IT systems and Iwi-Maori partnerships.
Ardern said that the country’s MIQ facilities have always operated under a constant review and improvement system.
“That is exactly what we need to do where we have a virus that continues to evolve and variants that continue to pose a threat. We are constantly reviewing the way we operate. Many of the things that have been recommended we already have underway. Things have changed quite a bit since the beginning of the year,” she said.
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