Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins and Associate Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall have received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. The ministers received the jab in an effort to publicly reinforce its safety and effectiveness to help combat vaccine hesitancy. On why the ministers decided to get vaccinated today, Hipkins said the Government had to weigh up the public perception of 'Why aren't they getting the vaccine?' Health Minister Andrew Little has clearance to get the vaccine over the next couple of weeks, Hipkins said. Families of border workers were starting to receive the vaccine and frontline health workers were also getting vaccinated.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 30, 2021 21:11 UTC