Rangatahi around Auckland are gearing up for Gotyadot, an initiative aimed at getting more young people vaccinated.
The mass vaccination event this Saturday and Sunday at several locations around Tāmaki Makaurau including Eden Park is targeting youth aged 12-34 and using prizes and entertainment to encourage vaccination.
Gotyadot ambassador Pere Wīhongi says with so much misinformation being spread online, it’s important to get the messaging right.
"What is the language? What are the words we are speaking to our children to make it easier to get on board, to break down those barriers that stop people from engaging?"
The campaign was conceived by Pere and other rangatahi to remove the fear and stigma people may have about vaccinations, especially youth. Fun activities, food, music and prizes are ‘tools’ of the campaign.
"Our youth aren't rushing to these places. So we offer up these kinds of carrots so that youth engage with this initiative," Pere says.
In August, young people aged 12-15, an estimated 265,000 eligible youth, were given the approval to receive the Pfizer vaccine after Medsafe gave it provisional approval in June.
While the team is gearing up for the weekend, it also has one eye on the future, when children under the age of 11 will get approval for the vaccine.
Places to get 'dotted':
Eden Park
Saturday 6 November, 12-8pm
Sunday 7 November, 12-8pm
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori ā-rohe o Māngere
Saturday 6 November, 12-8pm
Sunday 7 November, 12-5pm
Kia Aroha College, Otara
Saturday 6 November, 12-8pm
Sunday 7 November, 12-5pm
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae, Oratia
Saturday 6 November,12-8pm
Sunday 7 November, 12-5pm
Westlake Boys High School, Forrest Hill
Saturday 6 November, 12-8pm
Sunday 7 November,12-5pm