Kate Marshall, a COVID Immunisation Education Facilitator for the Southern Region facilitated this kōrero, sharing her knowledge and answering questions in the safe and supportive environment that English Language Partners has grown.

Kate was excited to be able to share some of her knowledge and evidence-based information about COVID-19 and the Pfizer vaccine with the English Language Partners group. Kate said she could only imagine how challenging it may be to access clear and information about the vaccine when English isn’t your first language.

“I know that the vast majority of the class were doubly vaccinated but I still think that they gained a lot from learning more (for example what was in the vaccine, how it was made so fast, the safety and side effects) so they could share that knowledge with their family and friends.”

Kate thinks it is important that they continue to access information from trusted sources such as covid19.govt.nz or the translated information on the Ministry of Health website.

“I wanted to help empower the group to be able to share their new knowledge with their communities and to help counter any dis/misinformation or myths that may be floating about. The English Language Partner learners were great to talk to as they were respectful, engaged, and able to feel comfortable asking questions (either in their own language or in English) which is a testament to how well supported they must feel within the school community.”

Part of the COVID Immunisation Education Facilitators (CIFs) role is to support DHBs with the vaccine rollout. With our country needing to get as many people protected with the vaccine as soon as possible, there is a huge demand from workplaces/schools/communities to get information about the vaccines.

Southern DHB asked for IMAC’s help to engage with the public and talk things through with them when possible. IMAC ordinarily delivers education to health care professionals, not the general public, however, with this pandemic it’s all hands on deck helping to reach the 90% vaccination target.

Last updated: 09 December 2021

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