Grace Davies, Rangatahi/Youth Engagement Lead for the COVID-19 response, says she is passionate about creating an opportunity for rangatahi to become more engaged in the health sector.
“It’s important for youth to have a voice, to talk to people they can relate to, be able to ask questions and have their vaccine where they feel comfortable.”
We are reaching out to young people via social media, youth organisations and through information sessions at schools or sports clubs, where people can kÅrero about the COVID-19 vaccine and have their questions answered. Being able to hear from experts including a Malaghan Institute scientist about COVID-19 and the vaccine has received positive feedback.
“I found the educational information easy to understand and it was more related to me. I could easily ask questions and I found the session very helpful. I was originally unsure but this information helped me to decide to get my vaccine.”
In some schools, we are working closely with school nurses and the Board of Trustees to provide information sessions and vaccination clinics. Around 80 students were recently vaccinated at Mana College, and we will be offering vaccinations at Porirua College this week, where we expect around 80-100 students.
A series of short selfie videos are also being developed with young people talking honestly about their vaccination journey and their reasons for being vaccinated.
