"We're starting to get to the really hard-to-get people now."

Tūrangi health professionals were delighted with the number of people getting the Covid-19 vaccination on Friday and Saturday, particularly because under-30s getting their first jab made up a third of the turnout.

The two days were already booked in as drive-through events so it was decided to hold a Super Friday and Super Saturday.

Pihanga Health practice manager Hilary Morrish Allen said 646 people came in for their Covid jab on the two days. She said the 5000th person to be vaccinated, Trish Otimi, was presented with a gift basket, a night away at the eMotel in Taupō, and a pop-up tent.

"But she declined the prize and paid it forward to the next person to get their first vaccination. The prize went to a young family who were delighted."

Hilary said they designed the days to specifically appeal to 12-to-30-year-olds, who are the least vaccinated portion of the Tūrangi population. There were lots of incentives to come to the event, including live music, a free sausage sizzle, free icecream from Mr Whippy, a $20 New World voucher, and vouchers to Mt Ruapehu and Tūrangi Hammer Hardware.

"They are the age group that are getting mixed messages [from social media and mainstream news], and they had to wait [for older age groups to get vaccinated first].

"Also, young people think they are bulletproof. They tend to think the pandemic doesn't relate to them."

Hilary said unvaccinated under-30s felt uncertain about the Covid-19 vaccine and about the risk of getting sick. Some also lacked the opportunity to get to vaccination centres.

"They're motivated to get vaccinated because they want to do things this summer.

"And some of them do it because they are told to by their parents."

She said it was heartening to see a family with four teenagers come in, and another group of eight teenagers who came in to be vaccinated together.

"The way to reach the under 30s is to make it an event."

Hilary said the 30-to 60-year-olds are busy working and the mobile vaccination van Shotz on Whānau is an effective way to reach these people. Shotz on Whānau travels to remote areas and encourages people to ring and ask the van to come to them.

"Today [Monday] the van is going to forestry workers.

"If you are there, we will come."

On Super Saturday, the Taupō Covid-19 Vaccination Hub vaccinated a total of 1035 people.

Lakes District Health Board clinical nurse Pip King said there was a mix of first and second doses given, and it was an equal split between walk-ins and those with appointments.

She said there was a party mood at the Taupō Hub. Alexi Kapetaneas was the DJ for the event, coming in after Kefi Cafe closed. Other entertainment included a photo booth, free icecream from Mr Whippy, free coffee and a free barbecue.

Pip said the Taupō Hub was set up so groups of people could be vaccinated together. She said some people had been hesitant and "a bit put off", but they had then changed their mind.

"Some people were obviously anxious or not relaxed. We noticed and dealt with them one on one."

She said there was a sense of achievement from people coming in for their second dose.

"And we fielded many queries about a third booster shot."

Many people getting the vaccine for the first time were motivated to do so after hearing good stories from friends and family.

"First-timers were coming in with whānau who were already vaccinated. Word of mouth is important, people are encouraged to come along when their friends say 'it went well for me'."

A second drive-through event was held on Tuesday at the Taupō Events Centre carpark. Pip said many of these people had their first vaccination six weeks ago.

Pip and Hilary both said there was a huge amount of community support for Super Saturday, with local businesses providing giveaways, sending staff to help with the event, and people coming down with their club to volunteer.

"Local businesses were so generous and they are having such a tough time at the moment."

Upcoming Covid-19 vaccination opportunities

Tūrangi:

You can drop in to Pihanga Health most days for the Covid vaccine. Opening hours are 8.30am to 5pm. If you prefer to book then bookings can be made on Thursdays from 10am to 4pm. Book online at www.bookmyvaccine.co.nz or call 0800 744 2642.

Shotz on Whānau mobile van will be at Hirangi Marae on Friday from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. For other times and locations see Facebook @PihangaHealth. Please make a request for the van to visit your remote location at 0800 PIHANGA or 07 384 7576.

Taupō:
Walk-ins are welcome on Tuesday to Saturday at the Taupō Covid-19 Vaccination Hub located at 6/29 Totara St. They are open for Covid-19 vaccinations from 8.30am to 4pm Tuesday to Friday, and from 8.30am to 3.30pm on Saturdays. Bookings can be made online or call 0800 28 29 26.

Mainstreet Taupō Pharmacy offers an after-hours Covid-19 vaccination service. Online bookings required. Vaccinations available Monday to Friday from 6pm to 7.30pm, and Sundays from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Mangakino:
The Mangakino Covid-19 Immunisation Hub offers vaccination clinics every Thursday. The hub is at 6 Commerce St, Mangakino. Book online at www.bookmyvaccine.co.nz or call 0800 744 2642.

Credit: NZHerald.co.nz