A walk-in vaccination clinic in Balclutha on Sunday was less busy than expected, perhaps because of the harsh winter conditions.
Clutha Health First, which hosted the "strategic" Covid-19 clinic at Balclutha’s Cross Recreation Centre, had allowed for delivery of up to 500 vaccinations during the day-long event.
Clinical director Gary Reed said only about 150 vaccinations were administered, and the lower-than-expected numbers were perhaps down to a forecast of snow making some of those eligible concerned about travel.
"It was predominantly for patients who are immunocompromised, over 65, plus children and youth who are now in that six-month time frame for eligibility for the booster following the completion of [the first two doses].
"The weather was pretty shocking and, although we didn’t see snow at the centre, the forecast probably gave some people second thoughts about attending."
Despite the lower numbers, Mr Reed deemed the clinic a success.
"The clinic went very well. This was about getting ahead of the curve, and this has helped us move towards our targets."
"This was an attempt to turbo-charge our programme, and in the end we’ve had a lot of people come out in terrible conditions, from as far afield as Milton.
"We’d remind people they can go online at any time and book a vaccination from our team."
Mr Reed said while there had been a resurgence of the BA.5 variant across the region in July, there was not an unusually high incidence of Covid in the community.
Boosters were recommended as vaccine efficacy began to wane after three to six months.
He thanked staff who had sacrificed a Sunday to serve their community.
"The clinic was a co-operative initiative between Clutha Health First, Invercargill’s WellSouth Primary Health Network and Southern District Health Board Te Whatu Ora.
"Those who volunteered deserve a shout-out for their commitment to the community."
No further clinics are planned at this stage.
