Central Otago’s vaccination numbers are up with an increase in people receiving their first dose. 

However, a local GP says we should aim higher than 90% vaccination rate.

Dr Elvira de Jong from Alexandra Family Medical reports that throughout the weekend and this week there has been a steady flow of people who’ve decided to get their first Covid vaccine.

“Compared to other parts of the region/country, numbers are looking good, but there is still quite a bit of work to be done because 90% shouldn't be our endpoint,” Elvira says. 

“Every extra person receiving their vaccine will make a difference once Covid reaches our region. 

“We can be proud of the work done in Central Otago and the community realizing that getting the vaccine is not only to protect yourself, but also those around you.”

This week’s vaccination rates for Central Otago.

Central Otago District mayor Tim Cadogan says the vaccination rates are encouraging and urges anyone still delaying to speak to their doctor. 

“I've still no explanation for why the Earnscleugh first dose figures no longer come up, but great to see this fine place and its people cracking the 90% mark for double-dosed, coming in with a brilliant 92.8%.

“If you are one of the vast majority of Central Otago people who are vaccinated, please remember to kindly encourage those who are still hesitant to get the right advice - their doctor would be a great place to start - and to get vaccinated before Covid returns to our part of the world.”

Having recently reached the milestone of 90% of the Southern district having their first vaccine, the region is still rolling up their sleeves to ensure everyone is safe, the Southern DHB says.

Queenstown has 99% of the population with at least one dose, and 88% being fully vaccinated, a huge effort from the tourist capital of the district.

Just 8.2% of Central Otago locals have not received any Covid-19 vaccination.

Thanks partly to the reach and endeavours of the Southland Farmgate Tour, there has been an increase in the rates of the population that are fully vaccinated in Southland, plus a welcome amount of people meeting with the Mayors on their tour to get their first vaccine.

Oamaru was host to the Southern District's 500,000th dose, another significant milestone.

But while these numbers are positive, more needs to be done to truly protect the community against the virus which is on its way to the Southern district, Southern DHB Covid Vaccine Rollout Programme Lead Karl Metzler says.

“There are still groups in our community who are unprotected from the virus, and who are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill. We still have a lot of mahi to do to. We are not protected until we are all protected.”

Karl emphasises that if you have doubts or questions about the vaccine, to please talk to a trusted health provider or speak to a clinician at the vaccination clinic. Or call 0800 28 29 26 to speak to trained clinical staff (8am to 8pm, 7 days),

“It’s okay to have questions about the vaccine, and there is a lot of extremely good information now available that can put people’s minds at rest.”