Southland children as young as 5 years old will be able to get their Covid-19 vaccination from Monday (17th January).

However appointments for children in the Southern District Health Board (SDHB) region will need to be booked through the online BookMyVaccine or by calling 0800 28 29 26, unless otherwise stated by the provider.

“Vaccinations for 5–11-year-olds mean we are now better placed to protect our tamariki, and keep them and their whānau safer,” said SDHB Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout Programme Lead Karl Metzler. 

“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.” 

“The rollout for 5–11-year-olds in Southern [SDHB] will be phased, with capacity ramping up significantly over the coming weeks across both existing and additional locations. Please be kind and patient while we work hard to extend vaccination availability across the district.” 

The SDHB also advised that their planning was well underway for specialist clinics for children with complex needs including home visits for children who are unable to access a clinic.

Mr Metzler 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.

Parents can also talk to your trusted health professional such as your GP or call 0800 28 29 26. 

Southland providers currently offering children's COVID-19 appointments:

Invercargill   

Queens Park Medical Centre - 97 Gala Street - Bookings only 

Victoria Rooms Mass Clinic - 88 Tay Street - Bookings only 

He Puna Waiora - 92 Spey Street & 74 Don Street - Bookings and walk in appointments available 

Southland   

Fiordland Medical Practice - 25 Luxmore Drive - Bookings only 

Gore   

Gore Medical Centre - 12 Eccles Street - Bookings only 

Gore Health Centre - 9 Birch Lane - Coming soon 

SDHB clinics currently offering vaccinations for 5–11-year-olds: www.southernhealth.nz/COVID19/vaccine/children.

Requesting a specialist home visit: https://www.southernhealth.nz/COVID19/vaccine#support

Meanwhile Monday (17 January) will also see people who are eligible for their four-month booster vaccination, able to book online.

“It is encouraging to see a strong uptake of booster vaccinations across the Southern district, however there are still a lot of people who are eligible who have not taken up the opportunity. A booster vaccination is our best defence against Omicron,” Southern DHB Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout Programme Lead Karl Metzler says.

As at 14th January SDHB had delivered over 600,000 vaccinations with 96.9% of the eligible population having received their first dose and 94.8% their second. There had also been over 50,000 booster doses delivered.

A Southland breakdown shows Invercargill City's eligible residents currently leading with 95.2% first doses and 92.6% second, while 92.6% of both Gore District (GDC) and Southland District (SDC) have had their first dose and 90.2% (GDC) and 90% of (SDC) their second.