Vaka Tautua Launches Campaign to Encourage Pacific Uptake of COVID-19 Vaccine
CEO Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop and Vaka Tautua staff.
Vaka Tautua today launched its “I’m Doing It” social media campaign with a mission to get Pacific peoples to have the COVID-19 vaccine. Recent research indicates Pacific peoples may be less likely to get the vaccine when it becomes available, compared to other New Zealanders. This is despite them being at risk of getting sick from the virus. Next month, the vaccine will be available to people who are considered at risk of getting sick from COVID-19: peoples aged over 65 years, those with underlying health conditions and disabled people.
Vaka Tautua staff Longo Matangi, Anna Naua and Gabby Patelesio.
Vaka Tautua Chief Executive Officer, Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop, says recent government campaigns have been useful in increasing Pacific peoples’ awareness and knowledge about the vaccine, its safety and the reasons why New Zealanders should have it. However, increased awareness and knowledge alone will not lead to Pacific uptake of the vaccine.
“Many factors influence our intentions and decisions to act, adopt or perform a new behaviour such as our beliefs and attitudes, what significant others think and do, and our own assessment of the benefits and risks (of doing or not doing the behaviour),”says Dr Dunlop.
“We know family, aiga and community is important to our Pacific peoples, and a desire to help protect their health and wellbeing. Our campaign explores this, and other motivations, to encourage positive conversations around COVID, the vaccine, and ultimately action (uptake of the vaccine).
Vaka Tautua has teamed up with Pacific community leaders, identities and Kedgley Intermediate School in Papatoetoe for the campaign. The campaign involves a series of short videos and stories.
The “I’m Doing It” campaign will run for the duration of the national COVID-19 vaccination programme, and is funded by support from the Ministry of Health.
Vaka Tautua is a national Pacific health 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 contact Gabby Patelesio, Communications Coordinator, on email: comms@vakatautua.co.nz or phone: 022 190 9100.
If you are feeling stressed, worried or anxious, call: OLA FIAFIA (0800 652 342 342) if you live in Wellington or OLA LELEI (0800 652 535) if you live in Auckland
For all enquiries, please email comms@vakatautua.co.nz