LIVE: Prime Minister gives Covid-19 vaccine update

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Image: RNZ.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that those aged 60 or over will be invited to book their Covid-19 vaccination from July 28.

It comes as she announces the plans for the tier four roll-out of the vaccine and asks New Zealanders to get vaccinated for "the ones you love".

Eligibility for the Covid-19 vaccine is set to be rolled out using age cohorts.

From August 11, those aged 55 or over will become eligible.

Watch the PM speaking here:

Ardern says that, beyond that, the rollout will be 'indicative, depending on feedback from supplier”.

Broadly, however, she expects those over 45 to be offered invites from mid-to-late August, those over 35 from mid-to-late September with anyone else generally expected to be available to book a vaccination from October.

The rollout is being staggered to ensure supply meets demand.

'Getting as many people in New Zealand vaccinated as possible will ensure we retain our hard won freedoms and keep that proud place that we have as one of the few countries in the world without Covid in the community," says Ardern.

'Each of us getting vaccinated means someone we love is safer," she continues. 'My final message is, do it for those you love.”

Ardern also confirms there is no cutoff date to get vaccinated once your respective age band has been announced but advises that the 'sooner the better”.

When an age band is announced those within the age group will be invited to make a booking

The invite will be received either by email, text, mail or phone.

The invitation will ask those invited to use the new national booking system to book both first and second doses.

'It is an easy to use, accessible tool,” says Ardern.

She also announces a new national phone line for booking vaccinations, for those who do not wish to use the online system. Both will be up and running from July 28.

Those worried their details may not be up to date, and are afraid of missing a vaccine, can register on the new national programme.

Ardern also confirms the bulk of the supply to vaccinate the entire nation should arrive by the end of October.

'What that means in practical terms is that our vaccine programme will take us through to the end of the year.”

Yesterday, Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said more than 320,000 people have had both Covid-19 vaccine shots.

"As of midnight (on Tuesday) 7666 vaccinators have completed the online training, and of those just over 3000 have been active in the programme," he said.

Additional reporting RNZ.

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2 comments

No point

Posted on 17-06-2021 16:00 | By Slim Shady

There seems no need whilst borders are shut and the near perfect MIQ prisons are operating. And the thing is they’ve said they will keep it like that for another 9 to 12 months at least. I’ll leave it until borders are opening, otherwise you just need a booster in 12 months anyway. So very little point at the moment. Keep up the good work Cindy, call me in 12 months and I’ll have the updated tweaked version for that scary Delta variant lol.


leader

Posted on 17-06-2021 18:32 | By dumbkof2

our esteemed leader taking the spotlight again


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