Southland has one of the poorest Covid-19 vaccination rates in the country says Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds, who is concerned about the slow-moving roll out.

Simmonds says Ministry of Health data shows that up to last Tuesday, August 3, the Southern District Health Board (SDHB) had vaccinated 13,039 fewer people than it had anticipated.

"While the target was 142,344, only 129,305 people have been vaccinated so far, putting SDHB 9 per cent behind their plan and placing us 12th out of the DHBs.

"These figures are disappointing and quite alarming especially with the threat of the new Delta variant looming and locking down large parts of Australia.

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"We really need to see better results in the South."

On Friday, August 6, Covid-19 response minister Chris Hipkins announced vaccination centres across New Zealand would be able to take bookings from the general population for people aged 55 and over, five days ahead of schedule.

Vaccines for the over 45s were due to begin mid-August.

But on the same day Hipkins made the announcement, the SDHB began emailing invitations to the 45+ age bracket as well, although they were told they could only book by phone, rather than online.

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Southland App has asked the SDHB several times over the past few days for clarification, but they have not responded.

National Party MP Simmonds says: "There appears to be no plan around the way the local programme is being administered, with the SDHB admitting it's not even sure of the exact numbers in each vaccination group.

"I'm particularly concerned that some vulnerable Southlanders, aged over 70 and over, are still waiting on their vaccinations.

"While I've heard of people as young as 18, without any pre-existing medical conditions, being contacted to have their jabs.

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"The vaccination of people in Group 3, which includes those over 65, is months late and it's disappointing that there are still elderly people who appear to have still not received a single dose.

"Of more concern, we now have people in Group 4 aged 50 and over who are being invited to come forward.

"This overlap will likely add to the confusion and further exacerbate concerns amongst our unvaccinated senior citizens." 

Hamish Brown, Southern DHB COVID-19 vaccine rollout lead says the target for the week ending August 1 was to deliver 140,655 shots and they had reached 129,382 doses by this date.

"Our ambitious production plan, which included a ramp up into August, was challenged by the shortage of supply through June and July, however we are confident we will catch up.

"It is important to look our total vaccination output which puts us fifth of all DHBs, despite us having a smaller population base than many. So, the people in the Southern district are in no way being disadvantaged."

As of August 12, 162,804 doses have been delivered across the Southern District, 55,428 of which have been 2nd doses, he says.

"Latest data shows that 44 percent of the total Southern population over 16 have either been vaccinated or are booked in for a vaccine.

"This includes 82 percent of those aged 65 and over; 79 percent of those aged 60 and over; and 75 percent of those aged 55 and over. This is the result of a huge effort from health providers across the district and an enthusiastic response from the community – we thank everyone helping promote the vaccine rollout effort."

Brown says the SDHB has capacity to meet its production plan and is encouraging anyone in Group 3 or aged over 55 to book their appointment now, either online at bookmyvaccine.nz or over the phone by calling 0800 28 29 26.

"While we have aimed to reach everyone in those groups to invite them for a vaccine, it does depend on us having the correct contact details. If you are eligible, and have not yet heard from us, please go ahead and book your vaccine now.

"There are appointment spaces available, so there should be no barriers to eligible people accessing the vaccine now."