New Zealand begins vaccinating children aged 5-11

Over 120,000 doses of the child Pfizer vaccine have been delivered and is available at 500 sites throughout the country

New Zealand will begin vaccinating children aged 5-11 from today, 17 January, Qazet.az reports citing The Guardian.

Over 120,000 doses of the child Pfizer vaccine have been delivered and is available at 500 sites throughout the country, including walk-ins, drive-throughs, pharmacies, and general practices.

A programme of Māori-designed initiatives will ensure all whānau can access vaccination and celebrate tamariki with special events and activities in their neighbourhoods, the ministry of health said in a statement.

Auckland’s Covid-19 vaccination programme clinical director Dr Anthony Jordan said communities in Tamaki Makaurau are well prepared.

"Getting vaccinated now is a great way to help protect tamariki before they go back to school.

The evidence shows that while children may have milder symptoms, some will still get very sick and end up in hospital if they do get Covid-19. Getting vaccinated also helps to prevent them from passing it on to more vulnerable members of the whānau, like babies and elderly family members.”

However, the first day of the vaccine rollout has reportedly been marred with massive traffic problems and children waiting in cars for up to an hour, according to the New Zealand Herald.

New Zealand recently reduced the interval between the second dose and a booster dose from six months to four months.

“We are urging everyone to receive their booster dose as soon as four months has passed following their second dose. Even if it’s been less than four months since your second dose, you can still book ahead to ensure you get the date and time you prefer, once you’re eligible,” Director-General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield said.