Originally published as a column in The Western Star

Older people from Western Southland, to Bluff have contacted me about delays in the Covid-19 vaccination programme.

Seniors tell me that they’re worried that they haven’t had their shots and they’re confused about what to do, with the latest threat of the Delta variant adding to their concern.  

There appears to be no plan around the way that the vaccination programme is being rolled out in Southland, with the SDHB admitting that they’re not sure of the numbers in each group needing vaccinations.

I’ve heard of Southlanders as young as 18, without any pre-existing medical conditions, being called up for their shots, while people in their 70s are still waiting.

The Covid-19 roll-out officially began around NZ on February 20. It’s disappointing that over five months later many vulnerable local people in Southland are still unprotected.

The vaccination of Group 3 people (those regarded as being at risk of getting very sick from Covid-19) started in early May.

It's concerning that those aged 55-59 are now eligible for their vaccinations, with this overlap likely to add to the confusion and further exacerbate the concern amongst unvaccinated older people.

Clearly getting the elderly vaccinated should be a priority. I urge anyone who has concerns to be proactive - call the vaccination hotline on 0800 28 29 26 and ask for an appointment.