The mass vaccination event for Tāmaki Makaurau to provide a second dose for those who attended the first mass event, will now be drive-through.
People waiting for their turn at the drive-through vaccination centre at The Trusts Arena, Auckland. Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro
The first event was held from 30 July to 1 August at the Vodafone Event Centre.
Those going for their second dose on the weekend of 10 to 12 September will now need to go to the Airport Park and Ride, on Verissimo Drive in Māngere.
Northern Region Health Coordination Centre vaccination programme lead Matt Hannant said a drive-through site provides a safe way to vaccinate people during lockdown.
"We have had extremely positive feedback from the community about how easy it is to get vaccinated along with their bubble," he said.
As well as those receiving a second dose, the drive-through site is now taking bookings for people who are yet to get their first dose of the vaccine.
A person can also bring their bubble, including anyone in their household over the age of 12. Anyone in New Zealand, regardless of residency status can get a free vaccination.
To book call 0800 28 29 26 or visit bookmyvaccine.nz.
"We want to ensure people can get their first dose as quickly as possible, as one dose still offers you a high level of protection and can help to prevent you getting very sick if you do get Covid-19," Hannant said.
Since it opened, the Airport Park and Ride drive-through centre has been vaccinating over 4000 people per day, and has now delivered over 35,000 doses.
Hannant said with new capacity being added all the time, people are encouraged to regularly check to see if vaccination sites across the city have spaces available to book.
Those who had their first dose at the first event will receive an email and text in the next 24 hours confirming the new drive-through location for their second dose and giving an option to rebook if the time or location doesn't work for them.
Appointment times will remain the same, so people should drive up to the Airport Park and Ride location on the same day and time they are already booked in for, unless their appointment is for after 4pm. In that case, they can drive up any time on the day they are booked in for between 8.30 and 4pm.
"We're aware that the drive-through model won't work for everyone. People who would like another option can call 0800 28 29 26 to talk to someone who can help you find a vaccination location that works best for you."
