Come on Central – Saturday is a chance to make the 90 percent vaccination target and enjoy freedom this summer.

The whole country is gearing up for Super Saturday – a ‘vaxathon’ with the aim to get 90 percent of us vaccinated.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is talking life after lockdowns once we reach that 90 percent. The Director-General of Health says we should aim for 90 percent, the Health Minister says it could see the end of lockdowns, and MP Stuart Nash has staked a case of wine on 90 percent of us being fully vaccinated by Christmas.

Here in Central Otago, health professionals are pulling out all the stops to help us get there.

This Saturday, October 16th, is Super Saturday. During Super Saturday, you can pop in to any participating clinic and get your vaccine. They’re open to everyone, not matter who you are or where you live.

And, there’s a few surprises planned.

Just drop in at any of the clinics during the times shown.

Proprietor pharmacist at Cromwell Pharmacy, Jackie Hamilton, says the team is 100 percent committed to the safety and health of the community and that means helping New Zealand achieve its 90 percent goal. They’re offering a dose of fun with your vaccination.

“We can see first-hand how important it is in terms of the burden on the health system, should Covid get into the hospitals here.

“As part of the whole vaccine rollout, we’ve brought in new staff, put a lot of resources and training in place – this weekend we’re also making it fun.”

They’ve pulled together a Super Saturday carnival, with the help of a large number of local businesses. 

“We all have the same goal of getting us back to a safe Kiwi summer.”

From live radio and sausage sizzles, staff in fancy dress, to amazing spot prizes, including a helicopter flight and a Cessna scenic flight, Jackie says they hope to encourage as many people as possible to stop by between 10.00am and 3.30pm.

Jackie stresses it’s important people who are unsure or have questions about the vaccine are also supported in a professional and non-judgemental way.

“We are also providing a comfortable environment for people to voice their hesitancy if they need to.

“Yes, we’re pro-vaccination, but we’re also aware people need to be able to talk to a pharmacist and get facts and answers.”

Dr Joost Breuk, GP at Alexandra Family Medical, says the family had been away on holiday. On hearing about Super Saturday, he and wife Elvira made the decision to come home to help get as many people vaccinated as possible and hit the much-needed target.

“Elvira and I will be doing a walk-in clinic for everyone between 10.00am and 2.00pm.

“People don’t need to pre-book, we will do the whole registration and immunisation.”

We all want to enjoy summer - there are a number of options for you to take up on Super Saturday and help Central Otago achieve its 90 percent target. Go for a drive, take the family. 

Summer is only weeks away – get your first vaccine this Super Saturday to make sure you have your two doses in before summer starts.

The Central App will update you as further clinics are confirmed.