The first rainbow-friendly pop-up vaccination event was held on 6 October in Wellington, with a followup event for second doses booked for 24 November.
Rainbow events are specific vaccination days and times with community representatives and support people. Staff are briefed on safe and inclusive language for LGBTIQA+ people.
Michal Salter-Duke, Sex and Gender Diverse Engagement Lead, 2DHB, got his second COVID-19 vaccine dose at this low-sensory pop-up event in Wellington.
“Providing safe and accessible vaccinations for the rainbow community, particularly trans, intersex and non-binary people, is important for upholding everyone's individual right to appropriate healthcare. It's important to the entire country that every person is given the opportunities and supports necessary to get vaccinated, to keep our whole community safe.
"LGBTQIA+ people are more likely than the general population to have had negative healthcare experiences and poorer health outcomes. Providing additional support to get vaccinated is just one small part in addressing these disparities."
Cards are available at all vaccination centres to help people communicate if their name on their medical records is one they no longer use.
Read more on the Stuff Website
The next Rainbow event is 30 October in Lower Hutt. Bookings are preferred, but walk-in appointments are also available. Find out more.
Photo: Kevin Stent/Stuff
