A drive-through Covid-19 vaccination clinic will be held in Taupō this week.

The event takes place on Friday 3 September and Saturday 4 September in the Taupō Events Centre car park at 26 AC Baths Ave, Tauhara, Taupō.

The immunisation hub at Totara St will be closed for these two days.

Lakes DHB expects to administer 1200 doses each day.

This is a community partnership and local iwi will have a special code for Māori residents to book. A similar event was held successfully in Tūrangi from August 25 to 27, with almost 900 doses administered.

Anyone who has an appointment booked for the Totara St site will be contacted and advised to attend the drive-through.

The drive-through will run from 10am to 3.30pm for booked appointments only. This is not a drop-in facility. Road closures will be in place.

Drive-through vaccination is only suitable for passenger cars or SUVs. Unfortunately, we cannot accept motorbikes, trucks, or other high-sided vehicles at drive-through centres.

If you have a history of fainting or other serious reactions following vaccinations, we recommend you don’t get your vaccination in a drive-through vaccination centre.

Private conversations are more challenging at a drive-through site.

If you need a detailed conversation about your vaccination, call your GP or Healthline first or attend a non-drive-through vaccination centre.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or are required to self-isolate (including because you are waiting for your test results), do not come to your vaccination appointment. This applies to all vaccination centres, including drive-through vaccination.

Getting your vaccination at a drive-through vaccination centre

• Where possible, wear a face covering.
• Come prepared in case you need to wait in queue for a period of time.
• Sit next to a car door that can be opened.
• Wear clothing allowing the vaccinator easy access to your upper arm. You should expect to receive the vaccine in the arm closest to the car window.
• Always stay in your vehicle, unless you are asked to step out by vaccination staff.

Drive-through vaccination centres have been used effectively in other countries, generally in the context of minimising the spread of COVID-19 during high levels of community transmission. In New Zealand, DHBs have operated drive-through COVID-19 testing centres (CBACs) and influenza vaccination centres during increased COVID-19 Alert Levels.

This drive-through will be repeated when consumers return for their second dose.

Lakes DHB would like to thank Taupo District Council, local civil defence fire, police and St John, Senjo Security, as well as Tuwharetoa Health and Pinnacle Health for their support and collaboration.