Additional supports available for accessing vaccinations

August 31, 2021 | Covid-19

The Ministry’s general view is that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to disabled people getting to a vaccination or testing site as there are systems in place to support people to sites, if they don’t have their own transport.

DHBs

DHBs can provide some supports to help get people to vaccinations and testing.

• The Booking System has questions regarding whether you need support.
• DHBs have mobile teams available to provide testing. Note there is no centralised information available on national mobile testing capacity.
• Many DHBs are providing direct transport to testing and this is free under their current programmes. Note there is no centralised information available on the extent of this transportation assistance.
• Mobile vaccine teams are also in place. No centralised information is available on national mobile vaccination capacity.

Whakarongorau (Healthline)

Healthline has advised it is working alongside all the DHBs to develop processes so that if transport is a barrier to vaccination, people are transferred either through a call back form or the person on the phone is transferred / introduced to a person in the DHB.

COVID-19 Testing • Healthpoint

South Seas Healthcare

The Auckland Pacific health provider, South Seas Healthcare, has a mobile service team and is currently providing testing and vaccinations in Pacific people’s homes.

Explore

Further support is now available through Explore. They are providing 1:1 virtual support to disabled and autistic people who need extra assistance to manage anxiety and stress related to the vaccination. This is in addition to the e-learning tools and resources they have made available on this topic.

To access this service call 0800 000 421 or to find out more go to: Preparing for the COVID-19 Vaccination – HealthCare NZ

Unite Against COVID website is providing up to date information

Travelling on public transport | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)

St Johns Health Shuttle

The St John Health Shuttle is a koha based community service that transports people to health-related visits, and then brings them home again. Their service includes travel to vaccinations. However this service is only available during Levels 1 and 2.

For more information see: St John Health Shuttles