It’s been a tough few weeks, and I know everyone here in Manurewa is looking forward to life outside of Alert Level 4. As we prepare for a potential move down alert levels, I have a simple, but really important, ask of everyone in our community: don’t wait – get vaccinated.

Getting as many Aucklanders vaccinated as soon as possible is the key to preventing lockdowns and getting back to doing the things we love. It’s also the best way to protect yourself and your whānau against COVID-19. There are thousands of available appointments over the next few days, so if you haven’t yet had your first dose, I’d encourage you to get vaccinated this week.

It’s really easy to get vaccinated, and it’s something you can do while Auckland remains at Alert Level 4 – you don’t even need a booking at some sites. You can simply show up at places like the drive-through vaccination clinic at the Auckland Park and Ride or the walk-in centre on 81 Finlayson Avenue in Clendon Park, and you’ll be able to get your free vaccine without needing an appointment. You don’t need to take anything with you, although having your ID handy might speed up the process. You can find a full list of sites where bookings aren’t required at: covid19.govt.nz/covid-19-vaccines/how-to-get-a-covid-19-vaccination/walk-in-and-drive-through-vaccination-centres/

There are also plenty of spaces available this week at other sites across Auckland, including at many places here in Manurewa. You’ll need a booking for these sites, but it’s really easy to reserve your spot. You can do it online at bookmyvaccine.nz, or if you’d prefer to phone or want to book the whole family in at once, you can call 0800 28 29 26.

If you’re already booked in for your first dose but it’s not for a while, I’d encourage you to move your appointment forward. There are plenty of appointments available this week, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to get an earlier spot. You can change your booking online at bookmyvaccine.nz. Just remember: if you change your booking or go to a drive-through site, make sure to cancel your original appointment so that slot doesn’t go to waste.

It’s really important that we make the most of the time we now have at Alert Level 4 to get our vaccination rates as high as we can. This is both about protecting our loved ones and protecting our economy. We know that the vaccine saves lives, and means you’re far less likely to get sick and need to go to hospital if you do get COVID. But the vaccine also helps our local businesses, because the more people who are vaccinated, the fewer restrictions we will have to have.

While we’ve been at Alert Level 4, everyone here in Manurewa has been making sacrifices to do their bit and help to stamp out Delta. It hasn’t been easy, I know. The whole country is counting on us, but we’ve got this, Auckland. Now, let’s finish the job – by continuing to stay home, by sticking to our bubbles and by getting vaccinated. – Arena Williams – Labour MP for Manurewa