Tamariki Week aims to increase 5–11-year-old vaccinations in Southern
The week runs from Monday 21 February to Sunday 27 February and is a uniquely Southern event that intends to boost protection for our five- to 11-year-olds and their whānau/families.
“This is 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,” Southern DHB Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout Programme Lead Karl Metzler says.
“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 5–11-year-olds can be found at www.southernhealth.nz/COVID19/vaccine/children.
Covid-19 vaccination appointments can be booked now for tamariki aged five- to 11-year-old at BookMyVaccine or by calling 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 8pm, 7 days). Clinics providing walk in and/or drive thru opportunities are indicated on the webpage.
Ministry of Health data shows that 46% of Southern’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,” Southern DHB Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout Programme Lead Karl Metzler says.
“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.”
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.
Extra support is also available for those that need it. Specialist paediatric vaccination clinics operate fortnightly in Dunedin and on-demand in Southland for tamariki with complex needs. The Dunedin clinic is suitable for tamariki with extreme needle phobia, neurodevelopmental needs e.g., 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, this service is available via a self-referral pathway.
Media enquiries: SDHB Communica7tions, communications@southerndhb.govt.nz.
ENDS