An Autism-specific COVID-19 vaccination clinic was held at Autism NZ’s purpose designed building in Petone, Lower Hutt on 14 and 15 August.
The Disability Commissioning team worked with Autism NZ to run the clinic with vaccinators and admin staff provided by Te Awakairangi Health Network.The space features relaxing quiet zones with tents and beanbags, low-lit rooms, a buzzy bee and tactile objects to distract and help people feel more comfortable.
Rachel Noble, GM Disability Commissioning, CCDHB says it was about finding the most suitable way to reach out to the autism community.
“We were fortunate to have suitable facilities available to us. This means the vaccination experience is an accessible and inclusive one. Many people who engage with Autism NZ will be familiar and comfortable with the site. We know and with the advice of Autism NZ, that some people with Autism have high needs and a specialist clinic at the Autism NZ site with their experienced staff would be the most beneficial way for them to be vaccinated.
For some autistic people, having a set-up that is familiar, includes familiar people and is set up in a way that matches the autistic world-view, is important.”
Appointments takes longer than the standard vaccine appointment, to allow each person to feel comfortable in the environment, with only around 50 people vaccinated per day.
Pre event days also allowed people to visit and see the space before the vaccination clinics were open. The clinic will run again in September for clients to have their second dose of the vaccine.
Read more about the event on Stuff/DominonPost
