Partially-vaccinated people in the Bay of Plenty are being urged to get their second shots and booster jabs as the region nears the 90 per cent vaccination milestone.

As of this morning, just 1704 second doses were required to reach the milestone as large numbers of holidaymakers entered the region from other parts of the country.

Covid-19 Operations Programme manager Heather Lang says now is the time for people to make sure they are fully vaccinated.

'As we've seen in the past couple of days, it's important that we guard ourselves against the possibility that the highly-contagious Omicron variant will enter our communities.

'The best way to protect ourselves and our whanau against Covid-19, including the Omicron variant, is to be fully vaccinated.

'If you've put off getting your second shot for any reason, we encourage you to do so now.”

People aged 18 or over are eligible to get a booster shot if it has been six months since their second dose. Information on where to get vaccinations is available at www.covid19.govt.nz.

The website also contains a wealth of information about vaccine passes, vaccine safety, and what to expect when you get your vaccination.

Yesterday's regional total of 1676 vaccine shots included 70 first doses, 424 second doses, 1173 booster shots and 9 AstraZeneca doses.