The Southern District Health Board (SDHB) hopes to encourage vaccinations for young people with ‘Tamariki Week’.

Tamariki Week runs from Monday (February 21) to Sunday (February 27) and the SDHB says it is a “uniquely Southern event” that intends to boost protection for five- to 11-year-olds.

Providers across the district - including Aspiring Medical Centre and Wānaka Medical Centre - have added extra clinics and capacity during the week to make more tamariki vaccinations possible.

“This is a great opportunity for tamariki who have not received their first dose to get their vaccination,” SDHB Covid-19 vaccine rollout programme lead Karl Metzler said.

“Many of our tamariki week clinics offer vaccinations for the whole whānau as well, and we encourage everyone who is over 18 and due for their booster vaccination to head along with  tamariki this week and get their vaccine together.” 

Ministry of Health data shows that 46 percent of the Southern District’s five-to-11-year-old population has received their first vaccination, sitting slightly ahead of the national average of 45 percent.

“With Covid-19 now present in some of our primary schools across the district, Tamariki Week is more important than ever so we can protect our tamariki, and keep them and their whānau safer,” Karl said.

“Even though tamariki generally have a reduced risk of getting very sick from Covid compared to older age groups, we know that it can still have serious consequences, particularly for tamariki with compromised immune systems or significant respiratory conditions.”  

Karl said he understands that many parents, caregivers and tamariki may be feeling anxious or have questions about the vaccination. 

He said at the appointment both the adult and child can ask as many questions as they like. 

They can also talk to your trusted health professional, like their GP, or call 0800 28 29 26 to speak to a trained clinician.  

Extra support is also available for those that need it: Specialist paediatric vaccination clinics operate fortnightly in Dunedin and on-demand in Southland for tamariki with complex needs, and referrals are available from GPs. 

The SDHB Covid-19 Vaccination Outreach Service can also provide home visits for tamariki who are unable to access a clinic. Find more information about this service here.

To take part in Tamariki Week, book by calling the medical centres directly or via the Book My Vaccine website.

PHOTO: Supplied