The Covid-19 vaccines are being rolled out across the country, but in Rodney there has been some confusion about where to get vaccinated, and who can get it done.

Currently, we have the Coast to Coast Medical Centre (72, School Road, Wellsford) providing vaccinations to all New Zealanders in vaccination groups one, two, and three. This vaccination site is open to all in these groups, and you don't have to be registered with Coast to Coast. 

Everyone in New Zealand aged 16 and over will be in one of four vaccine rollout groups. People at greater risk will get vaccinated first. Those in groups one, two, and three are currently being vaccinated.

Group one includes border and managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) workers.

Group two are high-risk frontline workers and people living in high-risk places. This group includes frontline healthcare workers (public or private), those who work or live in a long-term residential environment, older Māori or Pacific people, or those who live with or care for an older Māori or Pacific person.

Group three is made up of people who are at risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. This includes anyone aged 65 or over, anyone who has a relevant underlying health condition, any disabled person or anyone caring for a person with a disability, pregnant women at any trimester, and adults in a custodial setting.

Over the next few weeks, the following facilities will begin opening up for vaccinations:

• Hibiscus Coast Medical Centre

• Weiti Creek Medical Centre

• Orewa Medical Centre

• Windsor Medical Centre (Albany)

Other practices are also likely to be providing services, but this is being worked through with the primary health organisations. In Warkworth, Kowhai Clinic will be the next GP practice in line to go live and will be vaccinating from both Warkworth and Snells Beach.

The pharmacies who have submitted an application are listed below and will be part of the next tranche of site implementations.

• Life Pharmacy Orewa

• Life Pharmacy Franklin’s – Warkworth

• Unichem Manly Pharmacy - Whangaparaoa

If you are in group three and you haven't had an invitation yet, you should ring either the Covid booking number (0800282926) or Coast to Coast Healthcare (094238086) for an appointment.