Communications News

NZ launches new text service to support disabled peoples’ vaccinations

Eliza Sayon Nov 25, 2021

2 min read

Minister for Disability Issues Carmel Sepuloni has announced that efforts to support disabled peoples’ vaccinations will improve with the launch of a new text service.

The new text service was launched as a response to feedback from the disability community. As an addition to the COVID Vaccination Healthline, which offers dedicated phone and email support for disabled people and people living with impairments, the new text service will be run by Whakarongorau Aotearoa on behalf of the Ministry of Health

“We’re making it easier for the deaf, hard of hearing community and others who may be speech impaired to get vaccinated. They can now text 8988 for access to vaccine information, help to book a vaccination appointment or support with transport,” Minister Sepuloni said.

“It’s heartening to see good uptake of the phone and email service which has already received over 3,400 phone calls since September. It has not only been a safe haven for disabled people to discuss the vaccination, anxiety or needle phobias, but they’ve been supported to access sites with low sensory settings for example as well as home vaccinations.”

The Whakarongorau Aotearoa, who will run the service, is staffed with a team of advisors who are either living with a disability, have close whānau with a disability or have extensive experience working with the disabled community.

Minister Sepuloni said that their lived experiences will help make the service unique, underlining the ethos of The Manaakitanga Journey that will enhance the vaccination experiences for disabled people.

Currently, one out of four New Zealanders identify as disabled or having an impairment. Out of the 37,269 people supported by Disability Support Services and long term ACC clients nationwide, 86 per cent have had their first dose and 79 per cent have been fully vaccinated.

“As we take steps towards more freedoms as a fully vaccinated Aotearoa NZ, we’re committed to ensuring that our vaccination programme continues to be as accessible and inclusive as possible to all New Zealanders,” Minister Sepuloni said.

“We’re in a new phase in our fight against COVID, and an even greater fight to protect the hauora of disabled people and their whānau.”

Source: Beehive.govt.nz

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.