It’s been a tough few weeks, and we want to thank everyone for your efforts at Alert Level 3. We’ve stayed home and stuck to our bubbles to keep each other safe and keep Delta at bay.

The next step is to continue getting as many people as possible vaccinated. More than 58% of people in New Zealand are fully vaccinated and 82% of people have now had at least one dose of the vaccine, which is a fantastic effort. However, to ensure our communities are safe and to make sure we can get back to doing the things we love, we need as many people as possible to get their two shots.

The good news is that this week, it’s easier than ever to get your vaccine. This weekend, the Super Saturday event is taking place right around the country, and will see vaccination centres, GPs and pharmacies open later hours so that everyone can head along and get their vaccine.

If you haven’t got around to getting your first shot yet, we’d really encourage you to get out and get it done this week, so that you’re fully vaccinated in time for summer. Even if you can’t make it along to Super Saturday, it’s really easy to do: you can book online at bookmyvaccine.nz or by calling the COVID-19 Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26. Some vaccination centres don’t even require a booking – you can simply turn up and get your shot when it suits you. Check out covid19.govt.nz to find somewhere close to you.

People who are waiting for their second dose can take part in Super Saturday too. If it’s been more than three weeks since your first dose, you can take advantage of Super Saturday to get fully vaccinated – there’s no need to wait the full six weeks until your original appointment. Just make sure that if you do get your second dose this week, you cancel your booking so someone else can take the spot!

More than two million New Zealanders are now fully vaccinated, and if you’re one of them, there are still ways you can support our vaccination rollout. You chat with family members about getting your vaccine and encourage them to get theirs, or offer to book an appointment for someone who is having trouble doing it on their own. Every extra person who gets vaccinated is another layer of protection for our communities, so your actions will make a difference.

Finally, we know some people might still be a little unsure about getting the vaccine, and that’s OK. It’s important to get the right information to help you make the best decision for you and your family. If you do have questions or want more information before making up your mind, you can find reliable, accurate information, along with advice from medical experts, at covid19.govt.nz. You might also like to check in with your GP or health provider with any specific questions you have.

Thanks again for everything you’ve done to help keep us all safe. Let’s continue the solid effort here and take the opportunity this weekend to boost our vaccination rates. -Labour Ethnic Caucus