Covid-19 vaccination access

A new team has been mobilised to support disabled people to access transport and get vaccinated in a way that suits their needs.

A 30-strong team has been tasked with answering calls and questions, assisting disabled people and their carers to get the information and support they need.

Covid Vaccination Healthline: Disability support team

Disabled people and whānau can call the Covid Vaccination Healthline 0800 28 29 26 and push ‘2’ to receive tailored advice and support for booking vaccination appointments including assistance with coordinating transport to and from the vaccination site and arranging the any support and/or accommodations needed during the appointment.

Calls are free 8 am – 8 pm Monday to Friday. Team members answering are either disabled people themselves or are allies.

As this disability team service from the Covid vaccination helpline is new, DPA would like to hear feedback about their experience from anybody who uses the service.

Easy Read

There is a new Easy Read translation about the new Disability Support team available on the 0800 COVID Vaccination Healthline:

Easy Read Covid Vaccination Healthline: Disability support team (PDF)
Easy Read Covid Vaccination Healthline: Disability support team (Word)

Northern Region

The Northern Region Health Coordination Centre (NRHCC) is now offering a free taxi service to and from a Covid-19 vaccination centre or drive-through for people having their first dose who don’t drive or use other forms of transport. The NRHCC are hoping to extend this service to GP and pharmacy providers once they have a better understanding of demand.

For people who are unable to leave their home and need a Covid-19 vaccination for either their first or second dose, NRHCC will organise an in-home vaccination.

People can register for either the taxi service of in-home vaccination by calling the Covid Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26 or emailing NRHCCVAXENQUIRIES@adhb.govt.nz.