Jan Tinetti Labour MP

Without a doubt, Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty region is a great place to spend summer.

With the weather getting warmer, everyone is counting down to the summer holidays, fun and barbecues at the beach. To ensure that we can all enjoy a safe summer, we need as many people as possible to have had both Covid-19 vaccinations.

This isn't just about keeping our community safe; getting vaccinated means you're less likely to pass Covid on to your loved ones and people who can't get vaccinated, like young children. However, being fully vaccinated will soon open up more opportunities too.

Recently, the government set out the new Covid-19 Protection Framework, and if you're not fully vaccinated there will be everyday things you will miss out on. If you are vaccinated, you will be able to visit bars and restaurants, reconnect with family and friends, and do the things you love with greater certainty.

Businesses that require people to show they're fully vaccinated before entry will be able to operate with fewer restrictions. Just like you need to show your ID to enter a bar, you'll need to show you've been fully vaccinated before you can enter your favourite café or attend events such as festivals.

That's why if you want to make sure you can do more of the things you love this summer, it's really important you get vaccinated now.

The good news is that even if you haven't had your first dose yet, there's still time to get two shots in time for summer. You can book an appointment via: www.bookmyvaccine.nz, or by calling: 0800 28 29 26.

If you're ready to get your vaccine today, there are plenty of places that don't require a booking.

Head to: www.covid19.govt.nz to find a walk-in or drive-through vaccination centre near you. Make sure you let your friends and family know that if they want to do the things they enjoy this summer, they'll need to get two shots as soon as possible.

We'll transition into the new framework once 90 per cent of eligible people in each DHB region are fully vaccinated. Of course, 90 per cent isn't the end goal - our target is to get as many people as possible fully vaccinated, so we can make sure all New Zealanders are protected.

However, by ensuring at least 90 per cent of eligible people have had their two doses, we can be confident that our communities are safe as we take the next steps. Getting to 90 per cent also provides more certainty to local businesses, meaning they can safely operate with fewer restrictions going forward.

I know we're all looking forward to another great summer here in the Bay, but before we get there, we need to make sure as many people as possible have had their two shots. If you haven't had yours yet, make sure you get your free Covid-19 vaccine as soon as you can.