Southland has one of the poorest Covid-19 vaccination rates in the country and Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds says she is concerned about the slow-moving roll out in this province.

“I have Ministry of Health data which shows that up to August 3, the Southern District Health Board (SDHB) has vaccinated 13,039 fewer people than it had anticipated.

“While the target was 142,344, only 129,305 people have been vaccinated so far, putting SDHB 9 per cent behind their plan and placing us 12^th out of the DHBs.

"These figures are disappointing and quite alarming especially with the threat of the new Delta variant looming and locking down large parts of Australia. We really need to see better results in the South.

“There appears to be no plan around the way the local programme is being administered, with the SDHB admitting it’s not even sure of the exact numbers in each vaccination group.

“I'm particularly concerned that some vulnerable Southlanders, aged over 70 and over, are still waiting on their vaccinations. While I've heard of people as young as 18, without any pre-existing medical conditions, being contacted to have their jabs.

"The vaccination of people in Group 3, which includes those over 65,is months late and it's disappointing that there are still elderly people who appear to have still not received a single dose.

“Of more concern, we now have people in Group 4 aged 50 and over who are being invited to come forward. This overlap will likely add to the confusion and further exacerbate concerns amongst our unvaccinated senior citizens.”