Now all people over 12 can book for a vaccination. Below is some information on how to get a COVID-19 vaccination in Otago and Southland.

See also our previous article on the vaccine...

COVID-19 Vaccination in Otago and Southland

The COVID-19 vaccine reduces the risk of the virus to individuals, their whānau, and community.

In the Southern district, local vaccine providers include general practices, pharmacies, Māori and Pasifika clinics as well as mass vaccination centres in Dunedin and Invercargill.

Group 

Group 3 is everyone aged 65 or over, as well as pregnant people, people with disability and people some health conditions. If you’re in Group 3 and haven’t booked your vaccination you can do it now.

See full Group 3 eligibility criteria

Group 4

Group 4 is the general population. If you’re in Group 4 you can expect to receive an invitation to book your vaccine. Invitations are being staggered by age group, with everyone over 12 years old now being invited to book in. Everyone aged 16 or over can register their details on the www.bookmyvaccine.nz to receive a notification when their age group opens.

Māori and Pasifika

If you are Māori or Pasifika and aged 16 or over and haven’t booked your vaccination already you can do so now.

How to book

If you are in one of the currently eligible groups, you can call the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 between 8am and 8pm, daily.

If you have received an invitation with an access code, you can book online at www.southernhealth.nz/COVID19/book

When you book it’s a good idea to have your NHI (National Health Index) number ready to make the booking process quicker.

• To find out which group you’re in, go to www.covid19.govt.nz/vaccines

For more information, go to www.southernhealth.nz/COVID19

Support available

Our current mass vaccination centres in Dunedin and Invercargill are fully accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids. If you will be attending a vaccination clinic located at a GP or pharmacy, please contact them to discuss options for addressing your personal accessibility requirements.

You are welcome to bring a support person or certified assistance dog to your vaccination appointments.

If you are attending a mass vaccination clinic in Dunedin or Invercargill and require an NZ Sign Language or other interpreter service during your appointment, please contact Patient Affairs and Enquiries office on 03 474 0999, or email interpreter@southerndhb.govt.nz once you have booked your appointments. Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee this service at GP clinics or pharmacies.

If your disability means you are unable to receive your vaccination at a local vaccinating GP or pharmacy or at a mass vaccination clinic, we will do our best to support your requirements. Please complete this form https://forms.office.com/r/MEZb63r7tg to outline your support requirements.

The Ministry of Health has provided resources about COVID-19 in a variety of accessible formats here: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-resources-and-tools/covid-19-accessible-information