Parents and caregivers living in the Southern district can now book Covid-19 vaccination appointments for their five to eleven year old children.

Vaccination appointments launched today (Monday January 17) for the younger age group and there are a range of sites across Otago including both of the medical centres in Wānaka.

In addition, vaccine boosters for eligible people are available from today.

“Vaccinations for 5–11-year-olds mean we are now better placed to protect our tamariki, and keep them and their whānau safer,” Southern District Health Board (SDHB) Covid-19 vaccine rollout programme lead Karl Metzler said.

“Even though children 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 children 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. 

At the appointment, both the adult and child can ask as many questions as they like, Karl said, and he also encouraged anyone feeling nervous to speak to a trusted health professional, like their GP, or call 0800 28 29 26 to speak to a trained clinician.

A full list of clinics currently offering vaccinations for 5–11-year-olds can be found here.

The SDHB COVID-19 vaccination outreach service can provide home visits for children who are unable to access a clinic, available via a self-referral pathway here.

Karl said people in the community can visit the BookMy Vaccine website or call 0800 28 29 26 to book in their four-month boosters.

“A booster vaccination is our best defence against Omicron,” Karl said. 

He said since the Omicron variant is present in MIQ, it is more important than ever to take up the opportunity for a booster and be prepared.

More than 600,000 vaccinations, including 50,000 booster doses, have been delivered in the Southern district so far.