Children aged five to 11-years-old will get a chance to roll up their sleeves for Southern District Health Board's vaccination drive during Tamariki Week from Monday.

Tamariki Week offers Covid-19 vaccinations in whānau-centred clinics from February 21 to 27.

There are 70 sites across the district.

Southern District Health Board Covid-19 vaccine rollout programme lead Karl Metzler said it was a great opportunity for tamariki who have not received their first dose to get their vaccination.

"A number of our providers have added extra capacity over Tamariki Week to help us protect our whānau and community.

“Many of our tamariki week clinics offer vaccinations for the whole whānau as well, and we encourage everyone who is over 18 and due for their booster vaccination to head along with tamariki this week and get their vaccine together.” 

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

Covid-19 vaccination appointments can be booked now for tamariki at BookMyVaccine or by calling 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 8pm, seven days).

Some clinics providing walk in and/or drive thru opportunities are also listed online. 

Ministry of Health data shows that 46% of Southern District's five to 11-year-old population has received their first vaccination, sitting slightly ahead of the national average of 45%.

“With Covid-19 now present in some our primary schools across the district, Tamariki Week is more important than ever so we can protect our tamariki, and keep them and their whānau safer,” Karl said.  

“Even though tamariki 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 tamariki with compromised immune systems or significant respiratory conditions.”  

Karl said he understood that many parents, caregivers and tamariki may be feeling anxious or have questions about the vaccination.

"At the appointment, both the adult and child can ask as many questions as they like."

Parents can also talk to trusted health professionals such general practitioners, or call 0800 28 29 26 to speak to a trained clinician.  

Specialist paediatric vaccination clinics operate fortnightly in Dunedin and on-demand in Southland for children with complex needs.

The Dunedin clinic is suitable for tamariki with extreme needle phobia, neurodevelopmental needs, for example, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder and other complex health needs.

The Southland clinic provides a similar, but reduced service.

Referrals are available from your general practice. 

The Southern DHB Covid-19 vaccination outreach service can provide home visits for tamariki who are unable to access a clinic.

The service is available via a self-referral pathway.

Visit www.southernhealth.nz/COVID19/vaccine#support to find out more.