A 12-year-old Napier boy had his birthday wish come true by getting his COVID-19 vaccine the day he became eligible.
New Zealanders must be aged 12 or older to get the Pfizer vaccine, but some Kiwis are getting their first jab as soon as they're eligible.
The morning of Harry's 12th birthday on October 21, his mum Anna called Unichem Greenmeadows and booked his first COVID-19 vaccine. Just a few hours later, he'd received his first dose.
Anna and her husband were already fully vaccinated and talked with their two children about whether they would like to get vaccinated too. Their eldest daughter was able to get hers but Harry had to wait until his 12th birthday, saying he felt a bit left out being the only unvaccinated family member.
"All I wanted for my birthday was to get vaccinated so I don't get really sick or anything from the virus because children in Auckland have been in hospital with COVID," he says.
"I wanted to protect myself and others from the virus."
Harry says he plays a lot of sport and wanted to be sure he'd be safe when travelling to other regions for competitions.
While he says he was a little nervous before his appointment, the pharmacist put him at ease.
"I got it and I was all good. It just felt like a little pinch,” he says.
"My arm was a little sore the next day but it was alright."
Along with his vaccination, Harry also got some canoe polo gear and a Kobe Bryant book for his
birthday.
He gets his second COVID-19 vaccination on Friday.
The Hawke's Bay District Health Board (DHB) says there are plenty of opportunities to get vaccinated this 'Second-shot Weekend' in Napier, Hastings, Wairoa and Central Hawke's Bay.
There will be drive or walk-in clinics at Splash Planet, The Church of Latter-Day Saints in Flaxmere, Central Hawke's Bay A&P showgrounds Waipukurau, Queen Street Practice in Wairoa, Pak'nSave Tamatea, Pak'nSave Napier, and Whitmore Park.
People who get their first or second COVID-19 vaccination at any clinic this weekend go in the draw to win Six60 tickets, iPhones, and Prezzy Cards. Also, anyone who gets vaccinated at one of the DHB clinics will receive a $20 voucher.
