Getting help with the Covid Vaccine Pass
DIAA has released a new Stepping UP Digital Step module today to help communities get access to their Vaccine Pass. The new module steps you through the process of setting up a My Health account, verifying your identity and downloading the Pass to your smartphone or printing a paper copy. This module is for use by librarians and other community agencies that are willing to help people with this new challenge.
It has taken a huge amount of effort to persuade everyone (well, nearly everyone) to get vaccinated. It would disappointing if people who have made this effort are now excluded from participating in community activities because they don’t have the digital skills to access their Vaccine Pass.
Media reports are indicating that the back-up process for people without digital tools or skills – an 0800 call centre – is unable to meet the ‘unprecedented’ demand, with people holding for up to 60 minutes, only to get a recorded message, asking them to call back later. The official advice is to use the online process, but this requires:
- a computer or smartphone
- an internet connection
- a unique email (not one shared with a partner)
- evidence of identity (birth certificate, NZ or Australian passport, driver’s licence or citizenship certificate) – this excludes a large number of migrants, even our nearby neighbours in the Pacific region
- a reasonable level of digital literacy, especially when it comes to loading the Vaccine Pass to your digital wallet and that excludes at least 20% of the adult population
- a printer for those who don’t have a smartphone or an older version
This is quite a digital shopping list! Fortunately, there are a lot of people and organisations throughout New Zealand who do have access to these tools and the confidence to help others. Public libraries, budget advisers, Age Concern, Seniornet, CAB and other community groups do have the tools and most have the confidence.
Alternatively, ask for help from a family member or friend.