Members of the community are being encouraged to add their Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters to their summer checklists by Te Whatu Ora Southern (formerly the Southern District Health Board) and to take advantage of vaccinations for other illnesses which are currently available for free for some people.

The increase in Covid-19 case numbers in New Zealand is all the more reason to ensure you are vaccinated and boosted: There are more than 20,000 active cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand, with 1,571 cases in the Southern District.

Te Whatu Ora Southern vaccination programme lead Karl Metzler said getting vaccinated will help the community make the most of the season’s celebrations.

“Keeping up to date with your vaccinations, and getting a booster or second booster if you’re eligible, is the best way to protect yourself against severe illness from Covid-19,” he said.

“The more of us who stay well, the less disruption in our communities, businesses and our health sector so we can all enjoy seeing friends and whānau, travelling and celebrating upcoming holidays.”

More than 90 percent of Southern residents aged 12 and over are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. However, according to the Ministry of Health, fewer than 30 percent of 5-11 year olds in New Zealand are vaccinated against Covid-19, and 12-17 year olds have lower vaccination rates than adult groups.

The Southern Covid-19 vaccination programme is running a ‘Spring Fling’ promotion to support people in getting up to date with their vaccinations - and in addition to Covid-19 vaccinations this includes others such as the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, available free for tamariki and also for some adults who may have missed vaccination.

Wānaka Medical Centre has increased its capacity for both 5-11 year-olds and those 12 and over so they can book more easily and with more flexibility as part of the ‘Spring Fling’ promotion.

There is also increased capacity at Aspiring Medical Centre for those 12 and over. 

Anyone heading over the hill for their Christmas shopping can also take advantage of a pop-up clinic taking place at the Queenstown Events Centre on November 22 and 23, where a wide range of vaccinations will be available free to children and other eligible people. 

These are just some of a wide range of ‘Spring Fling’ vaccination events taking place across Otago, with more to be advertised in advance, Karl said.

Find more information here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App