The Covid-19 vaccine rollout began at Bob Scott Retirement Village in Petone with over 110 staff receiving their first vaccination, followed by village residents. The rollout ran like a smoothly oiled machine and the professional staff administering the vaccine averaged one a minute!
Catherine, a registered nurse was the first staff member to be vaccinated as she came off night duty. Both her and Rohini, the unit coordinator of the hospital said they really wanted to get the vaccine. “We wanted to get it to protect our residents, our families and ourselves.” They also said that having the vaccine will make it easier for them to travel home to the Philippines and Fiji in the future.
Karen Mabao, activities coordinator in the special care unit said she feels blessed and privileged to have this vaccine. “I immediately signed up to get it as soon as I heard it was available here. I think it is important for the safety of our residents. If you work in aged care everyone should be vaccinated.”
Village Manager, Heidi O’Reilly says she is overwhelmed by the staff and the resident response. “They have had a lot of information to make an informed choice.”
Regional Manager, Jenny Thiele who was also vaccinated today said, “Ryman are leading the way with organisation of the vaccine rollout in Wellington.”
Clinical Manager Ash Rahman who was coordinating the rollout said there has been a really good uptake of the vaccinations by residents in the village.
Maureen Roche was the first resident in the village to receive the vaccine and was ready and waiting. She said she was very excited about it and hoped everyone who can, will get it. “The only way we can protect one another from this pandemic is by getting the vaccine.”
She remembers a time as a child when her friend caught polio, so she understands the importance of vaccines. “I want to protect my grandchildren and my family. I am doing this for the community and everyone. I’m very keen to get this today - it’s not just our country, it’s for the entire world.”
