Ninety percent of Southerners have now had their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, a “significant milestone” according to the Southern District Health Board (SDHB).

The SDHB aims to have 90 percent of the Southern population fully vaccinated by Christmas, and yesterday’s (Tuesday November 2) confirmation of a 90 percent first dose rate puts the district in a strong position, SDHB Covid-19 vaccine rollout incident controller Hamish Brown said.

“To have accomplished this so far away from Christmas means we are well-positioned to achieve an over 90 percent fully vaccinated rate by the holiday season - this is great work,” Hamish said.

“With Covid-19 cases now in the South Island, and the move towards a traffic light system of managing the virus, it is imperative our community is as protected as possible from the virus.”

At a meeting yesterday the SDHB acknowledged the achievement but noted there was still significant work to be done.

The SDHB aims to have 90 percent of the Southern population fully vaccinated by Christmas and it is now “well positioned” to achieve that, SDHB Covid-19 vaccine rollout incident controller Hamish Brown said. PHOTO: Supplied

“We still have significant differences between Māori and non Māori, younger and older populations, and those living in rural and urban areas,” Hamish said. “We are not protected unless we are all protected, and we do not want any group being left behind.”

The first dose vaccination rate among Māori in the Southern district is currently 76 percent.

It was also essential everyone made sure everyone has two doses to gain the maximum protection from the vaccine, Hamish said.

“We also have a responsibility to provide protection for our children who are too young to be vaccinated, as well as those with compromised immunity.”

The SDHB’s vaccine rollout strategy operates on a widely distributed model with over 110 providers, including general practices, pharmacies and Māori and Pacific health providers, to ensure that no one is more than an hour from a vaccination location. 

Hamish thanked everyone involved in the “huge community efforts” to reach the 90 percent first dose milestone.

The Wānaka App will provide a detailed breakdown of Upper Clutha’s vaccination rates when the latest information, provided weekly by the Ministry of Health, becomes available. By Tuesday last week, 89 percent of Upper Clutha residents had received their first dose and 74 percent were fully vaccinated.

The vaccine is free and available to everyone in New Zealand over the age of 12, regardless of immigration status, and there is enough vaccine for everyone to get their vaccine by the end of the year. 

Vaccinations can be booked at the Book My Vaccine website.