SDHB: Covid vaccination for 5 - 11 year olds from today

From the SDHB:

From Monday 17 January, Covid-19 vaccination appointments can be booked for tamariki aged 5 to 11 years old at specific sites in the Southern district.

A full list of clinics currently offering vaccinations for 5–11-year-olds can be found at www.southernhealth.nz/COVID19/vaccine/children.

In Southern, all clinics require booked appointments for 5-11 year vaccinations unless otherwise noted by a provider. People can book online at BookMyVaccine or call 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week). Bookings at some clinics are initially open to enrolled patients only, with appointment slots being added to BookMyVaccine over the coming weeks.

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

“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 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.”

Planning is well underway in Southern for specialist clinics for children with complex needs. Additionally, the Southern DHB COVID-19 Vaccination Outreach Service can provide home visits for children who are unable to access a clinic, this service is available via a self-referral pathway. (Available via https://www.southernhealth.nz/COVID19/vaccine#support )

Mr Metzler says he understands that many parents, caregivers and tamariki may be feeling anxious or have questions about the vaccination. He says at the appointment, both the adult and child can ask as many questions as they like. You can also talk to your trusted health professional, such as your GP, or call 0800 28 29 26 to speak to a trained clinician.

From Monday 17 January, people who are eligible for their four-month booster vaccination can book online at BookMyVaccine or by calling 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week).

“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.

To avoid queues, people are encouraged to book online at BookMyVaccine or by calling 0800 28 29 26.’ First and second doses are still available at all vaccination sites.

With Omicron present in MIQ, it is more important than ever that you and your whānau has a plan. Find out how you can prepare at www.southernhealth.nz/COVID19/be-ready

The below data was updated on the 14 January 2022. Southern has delivered over 600,000 vaccinations, including over 50,000 booster doses. Full booster data will be available shortly.