Taranaki Programme Weekly Update
Case numbers continue to dominate the headlines as Omicron takes hold with 1,573 new cases reported today, taking the number of cases in New Zealand since the pandemic began to 24,660.
Businesses are planning how they will stay open as team members need to isolate, people are making sure they have the supplies in their homes should they contract the virus and the need for masks and social distancing is greater than ever before.
We know that the case numbers will rise, but the important thing is to ensure they do so as slowly as possible so our hospitals and other essential services do not become over-whelmed.
And the best way to do that is to get your booster shot as soon as you can - three months after your second dose. The protection against infection you had after your first two vaccination doses slowly decreases with time, so a booster shot improves your immunity just when you need it the most. This means you are less likely to get the virus and pass it on, and if you do contract Covid-19 you are much less likely to become seriously ill and need hospital treatment.
It's easy to get your booster shot - you can book an appointment through Book My Vaccine, or call 0800 28 29 26, or just walk-in where this service is offered. Bring your whānau, too, we can administer boosters at the same time as child doses so the whole family is protected.
February is Big Boost month because the more people who get boosted now, the better resilience we have as a community against Omicron - for more information about booster shots visit Get your COVID-19 booster dose | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz) |
