The Ōpōtiki (GP Led) Vaccination Centre opened Bay of Plenty’s first drive-thru vaccination centre at the Medical Hub today, Friday 20th August.
Under alert level 4 vaccination centers around the country are trying to manage the extra restrictions and social distancing requirements. Due to the limited space within the observation area at the Medical Hub, an innovative approach was needed.
A drive-thru vaccination centre was considered the best option to deliver the jab safely and in the most efficient way possible, while minimizing the risk of Covid-19 transmission to staff and patients.
Those booked in for their vaccine drive up the ramp, before being consulted by an administrator, and then receive the vaccination. They drive down the ramp and wait in the carpark for the required 20 minutes under the supervision of staff.
The drive-thru has 105 bookings today and will increase this to deliver 150 vaccinations per day. Bookings are essential and at this stage the drive-thru vaccination center is only available Tuesday and Fridays.
The drive-thru vaccination model has worked overseas, and New Zealand has only recently implemented this approach, with Fielding Health Clinic being the first to open yesterday, Thursday 19th August.