Phil Goff
Auckland, October 15, 2021
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff gets his Pfizer Vaccine at a Vaccination Centre
Aucklanders are doing an incredible job of vaccinating against Covid-19. About 87% of our people, those eligible have now received their first shot. But we need to keep pushing vaccination rates higher, to 90% of the eligible population and above.
This Saturday, October 16, 2021, the government and the Ministry of Health are running a ‘Super Saturday’ vaccination drive. They are pulling out all the stops to ensure that as many people as possible receive a vaccination by the end of the week. There will be sausage sizzles, DJs and entertainment at vaccination centres and a live ‘Vaxathon’ screened on television.
Incentives to travel, get jabbed
It is already free to travel by public transport to get vaccinated, but in the lead-up to Super Saturday Auckland Transport is making it even easier. You will not have to tag on with your AT HOP card or show a vaccination appointment. Simply mask up, scan the NZ Covid Tracer QR code and let the driver or transport officer know that you are travelling to or from a vaccination, and you will be able to travel, free of charge.
If you have not yet received your vaccination, I urge you to do so as soon as possible. There will be multiple opportunities across the region on Super Saturday, but you do not have to wait till then; you can go and get vaccinated without an appointment today at one of the community centres or make a booking with your GP or a pharmacy.
Vaccination becoming mandatory
Remember that vaccination will be required to attend festivals, concerts and major events from November, so if you’re planning to enjoy those sorts of activities with friends and family you need to get your first shot soon to be fully protected in time for Summer.
If you are vaccinated, you can still play an important role. Reach out to friends and family who have not yet received their shot and encourage them to do so.
Share your story about why you are vaccinated, whether it is to protect your loved ones and community from the risk of illness and hospitalisation, or to ensure that we can all come together this Summer to safely enjoy converts, festivals and time without friends and family. Your encouragement may be all that is needed to get another vaccination over the line.
Mobile Vaccination Drive has been stepped up for Super Saturday on October 16, 2021
Every dose counts to freedom
Every single vaccine dose counts in the fight against delta and every single person who gets vaccinated is helping to make our community safer. Everyone who gets vaccinated this week is also helping to bring us closer to our 90% target, which is a key number that we have to reach so we can look forward to enjoying greater freedoms this Summer.
Aucklanders have led the Covid-19 response and have made incredible sacrifices to help keep New Zealand safe. Now, we need a big push to get as many people as possible vaccinated, and hence we can all look forward to a fantastic Summer of festivals, concerts and good times with friends, family and loved ones.
Please do not wait vaccinate today.
For more information about vaccination and Super Saturday, visit www.covid19.govt.nz/supersaturday
Phil Goff is Mayor of Auckland. He writes a regular Column in Indian Newslink.
