Beef processing plant in Fielding begins Covid-19 vaccinating its workers

Covid-19 vaccination clinics in workplaces have started reports MidCentral DHB in the Manawatū District as part of New Zealand's vaccine rollout.

To start, over 100 employees will receive their first doses at a multi-shift beef processing plant based in Fielding.

The plant, AFFCO, has a large Māori and Pasifika workforce — its leadership decided the clinics will be a way to support their employees.

Plant Manager Ann Nuku says it will give staff working at the facility an opportunity to protection from the virus.

“Research shows that Māori and Pasifika are more likely to get really sick from Covid-19,” she said.

“We wanted to give our staff the opportunity to not just protect themselves from the virus, but also their whānau and the wider community.”

Image: CC/Ministry of Health [Government newswire]

Adele Small, MidCentral DHB's Covid-19 Vaccination Programme Iwi and Māori Lead member says work is underway to get more clinics into workplaces.

“It’s wonderful to see employers supporting their staff to protect themselves from Covid-19. Life can be really busy, and this clinic has encouraged AFFCO staff to get vaccinated by making it easily available at their workplace,” she said.

“Workplace clinics are a great way for us to meet people where they are, and we’re working directly with some of our other employers to establish workplace clinics.”

Priority populations in places of work are being addressed. In addition, a plan is being implemented to introduce broader rollouts of vaccination clinics in as many places as negotiated during the middle of September for the surrounding area.

Image: SUPPLIED/ [Government media wire/newswire – license reuse applicable]