Super Saturday was our chance to get 90% vaccinated – and Central Otago is within touching distance.

As of Sunday, the Ministry of Health records show the march towards 90% is closing in.

Central’s vaccination statistics now sit at 87% having received their first dose, while those who have had their second sit at 72%.

Nearly 10,000 doses were delivered across the Southern District on Super Saturday, 16 October, meaning 86.2% of the district’s 12+ population has now received at least one dose, and 68.5% are fully vaccinated.

Earnscleaugh has the highest vaccination rate in Central Otago, with 92.5%, while Clyde (89.2%) sits in second place while Maniototo (87.5) lies in third.

 Friendly rivalry is heating up in Central Otago vaccination rates.

A total of 9,325 vaccinations were given in the Southern DHB area on Super Saturday.

On the day, 2,696 people received their first dose, while 6,629 received their second dose.

Vaccination statistics as of Sunday. Courtesy Southern DHB.

Southern COVID-19 vaccination programme lead Hamish Brown expresses his thanks to the teams across the district who worked hard to pull out all the stops on this national day of vaccination, and to the councils, volunteer groups and businesses who offered their support.

“We were really pleased with the turnout and the atmosphere was incredible, with the public coming together as a community to get protected against COVID-19,” he says.

“This was a significant step towards our goal of reaching at least 90% vaccinated by Christmas, with about 11,000 people still to go to hit this target.”

Nationwide statistics as of Sunday. Courtesy Ministry of Health.

However, Hamish stresses this was not the end of the programme and there were many more opportunities to get vaccinated.

“We still have over 110 providers across the district operating weekly schedules, are undertaking workplace vaccinations and have outreach teams going into smaller communities,” he says.

For those who prefer to plan, bookings are still available through bookmyvaccine.nz or over the phone by calling 0800 28 29 26.

If you have any questions or concerns about the vaccine, please call the free helpline 0800 28 29 26 to talk to a health professional.

The Central App will let you know exactly how much closer we are to achieving the 90% target as soon as the Ministry of Health releases numbers.

Here’s to freedom this summer!