Otago and Southland has reached a significant milestone in the fight against COVID-19 with today's announcement that 90% of Southern District Health Board's eligible population have now received their first vaccination, and 77.9% are fully vaccinated.

This is well ahead of the board's original target of reaching 90% of first vaccinations by Christmas.

Southern DHB COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Incident Controller, Hamish Brown thanked the huge community efforts across Otago and Southland, including WellSouth, primary health care and Māori and Pacific providers, along with local councils, businesses and initiatives like the southern mayors' Farmgate tour.

However, he acknowledged the task was not yet complete, citing significant differences between Māori and non Māori, younger and older populations, and those living in rural and urban areas.

Advertisement: D T King

We are not protected unless we are all protected, and we do not want any group being left behind,” he 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.”

It was essential everyone made sure they have two doses to gain the maximum protection from the vaccine, he 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.”

Accessibility has long been a feature of Southern’s rollout strategy, and remains a priority, Brown says.

The board's COVID-19 vaccine rollout programme continues with a target of at least 90% double vaccinated for all ethnic groups (Māori, Pasifika, Asian, European and other), all age groups, and all urban and rural communities.

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 online via bookmyvaccine.nz or over the phone by calling 0800 28 29 26.

Information about all vaccination locations can be found at https://www.southernhealth.nz/COVID19/clinics