Vaka Tautua Staff COVID-19 Vaccinations Underway
Vaka Tautua staff are “doing it” - having their COVID-19 vaccinations - as part of the Government’s national COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Vaka Tautua staff are health and social services frontline workers, and along with staff from border security, MIQ and aged care residential centres have been prioritised as group 2 for vaccination.
Vaka Tautua Chief Executive Officer, Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop, who has been vaccinated, is pleased her staff have made the decision to be vaccinated. Vaccination is not mandatory in Aotearoa – it is up to individuals whether they want to be vaccinated.
“I am pleased, that after considering all the evidence and speaking with their families, my team have made the best decision for them and their families… that is protecting their and families’ health,” says Dr Dunlop.
“It also means that when we are engaging with our service users, our churches, for example, they can be assured… confident, that we have done everything we possibly can to keep them safe… and alleviate any uncertainties or anxieties they may have around that.”
Auckland disability services team leader, Kramer Hoeflich, did not hesitate to have the vaccine – hoping to lead-by-example for the Pacific disabled community.
“I got the vaccine as soon as I could to protect myself, my family… and help prevent the spread of COVID,” says Mr Hoeflich.
Wellington senior community connector, Fauuga Faye Seumanutafa believes all of our Pacific peoples should get vaccinated at soon as possible.
“Prevention is better than cure… to be safe,” says Mrs Seumanutafa.
“My husband also got his injection, so that is good… our family is protected.”
Most of Vaka Tautua’s staff have been vaccinated, with the rest to be completed shortly.
Vaccinations for group 3 are now underway. This is people aged over 65 years of age, those with underlying health conditions and disabled people. For more information, please visit www.covid19.govt.nz
Vaka Tautua is a national Pacific health and disability and social services provider with a strong regional presence in the greater Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury regions. It delivers disability, mental health, older peoples, social services, and financial capability services.
For all enquiries, please email: comms@vakatautua.co.nz