The Upper Clutha is inching closer to the 90 per cent full vaccination target being aimed for around the country. 

Data released by the Ministry of Health showed as of Tuesday (October 26) 72 per cent of New Zealand’s eligible population was fully vaccinated, with 87 per cent having had one dose.

That same data indicated that the Upper Clutha is doing slightly better than the national average at 74 per cent fully vaccinated and 89 per cent who have received their first dose. 

This is an increase from 68 per cent and 88 per cent respectively in the past week.

Within the Upper Clutha, Wānaka Central has the highest rate of fully vaccinated residents, at 80 per cent, while Upper Clutha Valley (incorporating Hāwea Flat and Luggate) has the lowest at 62 per cent.

This map shows the percentage of first doses by area in the Upper Clutha

The increases follow the government’s announcement about mandatory vaccinations for some workers and the new ‘traffic-light’ framework, to replace the alert levels, which will be rolled out once all district health boards (DHBs) hit 90 per cent full vaccination.

Previous: Govt reveals its Covid-19 Protection Framework

The government will review the settings on November 29 with a view to moving the country (excluding Auckland) to the ‘orange’ traffic-light setting if all DHBs hit the 90 per cent target.

The South Island could move before the rest of the country if all the South Island DHBs reach the 90 per cent vaccination targets before others, prime minister Ardern said.

Of the South Island’s five DHBs, Southern is currently 74 per cent fully vaccinated; South Canterbury is at 71 per cent; Canterbury at 68 per cent; Nelson/Marlborough at 74 per cent; and the West Coast is at 64 per cent.

Vaccinations can be booked at the Book My Vaccine website.

PHOTO: Supplied