Opinion: nervousness worth it to be fully vaccinated

Last week, despite my nervousness of needles, I got my second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. I have a few handy tricks that help me get through it – like wriggling my toes, looking away, and being mindful of my breathing. I always tell the nurse when I’m getting an injection or a blood test that “I’m not great with needles.” Telling someone really helps!

My nervousness was worth it to be fully vaccinated. I got my second Pfizer vaccination to protect myself, my family and the community against Covid-19.

Since I shared my story, people in Nelson have approached me to let me know that they went and had their vaccination despite their own nervousness around needles.

The good news is that this week, it’s easier than ever to get your vaccine. This weekend, the Super Saturday event is taking place right around the country, and will see vaccination centres, GPs and pharmacies open later hours so that everyone can head along and get their vaccine.

More than 80% of people in Nelson have now had at least one dose of the vaccine, which is a fantastic effort. However, to ensure our communities are safe and to make sure we can all enjoy the things we love this summer, we need as many people as possible to get their two shots – and Super Saturday is a key part of this.

If you haven’t got around to getting your first shot yet, I’d really encourage you to get out and get it done this week, so that you’re fully vaccinated in time for summer. Even if you can’t make it along to Super Saturday, it’s really easy to do: you can book online at bookmyvaccine.nz or by calling the Covid-19 Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26. Some vaccination centres don’t even require a booking – you can simply turn up and get your shot when it suits you. Check out covid19.govt.nz to find somewhere close to you.

People who are waiting for their second dose can take part in Super Saturday too. If it’s been more than three weeks since your first dose, you can take advantage of Super Saturday to get fully vaccinated – there’s no need to wait the full six weeks until your original appointment. Just make sure that if you do get your second dose this week, you cancel your booking so someone else can take the spot!

More than two million New Zealanders are now fully vaccinated, and if you’re one of them, there are still ways you can support our vaccination rollout. You can give your friends a ride to the nearest vaccination centre this weekend, chat with family members about getting your vaccine and encourage them to get theirs, or offer to book an appointment for someone who is having trouble doing it on their own. Every extra person who gets vaccinated in Nelson is another layer of protection for our communities, so your actions will make a difference.

Finally, I know some people might still be a little unsure about getting the vaccine, and that’s OK. It’s important to get the right information to help you make the best decision for you and your family. If you do have questions or want more information before making up your mind, you can find reliable, accurate information, along with advice from medical experts, at covid19.govt.nz. You might also like to check in with your GP or health provider with any specific questions you have.

Choosing to get vaccinated is not only the best way to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19, it’s also helps us all get back to doing the things we love. Let’s continue the solid effort here in Nelson and take the opportunity this weekend to boost our vaccination rates.

Here are some of the pop up vaccination centres around our region this weekend:

Nelson

Saturday 16^th October

• Nelson Intermediate School - whānau day
      11am to 3pm

Vaccinations, free BBQ, bouncy castle and other activities

• Tahunanui Community Hub

55-61 Muritai St, Tahunanui

11am to 4pm

• Nelson Speedway

Lansdowne Rd, Richmond

Gates open 5pm

Get a Speedway voucher when you get your vaccine there

Sunday 17^th October

• Tāhunanui Beach

11am to 4pm

The Edge FM crew will be there from 11am to 1pm, with music and a BBQ

Motueka

Saturday 16^th October

• Mitre 10 Motueka

10am to 2pm

Free BBQ and coffee vouchers