News and Notices

21,000 vaccines delivered and Group 3 well underway


More than 21,600 people have received their free Pfizer BioNTech vaccine in the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough region since vaccination started on 1 March 2021.

This puts Nelson Marlborough Health and our primary care and Māori health partners ahead of target.  We are currently achieving 146% of target as reported on the Ministry of Health website. 

In May and June vaccination is being offered to people in Groups 2 and 3. Find out which group you are in. 

There are approximately 50,000 people in Group 3. We will extend the invitation to all Group 3 members between now and July. This means that not everyone in Group 3 will be offered the vaccine at the same time, or at the same time as people you know – eg neighbours or colleagues.

If you are in Group 3 or 4, you do not need to do anything yet. We'll let you know when it's your turn. You'll most likely be contacted by phone or text and given details about how to make an appointment. It's important to know that if you don't get vaccinated at the same time as the rest of your group, it's not too late. You can still get your free vaccine later. An example of this flexibility is how we are continuing to offer vaccination to Group 1; although we have moved from Group 1 into Group 2 and 3 vaccination, we still offer it to Group 1 as new people enter that particular group (eg new port workers).

There is enough vaccine for everyone in New Zealand to receive two free doses.

What about the flu vaccine?

The 2021 flu vaccine is also currently available for free to people aged 65+ from your GP, medical centre nurse, Māori health provider and participating pharmacies. 

From 17 May the vaccine will also be free for: 

  • pregnant women (any stage of pregnancy)
  • children aged 4 years or under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness
  • people under 65 years with any of the medical conditions listed on this webpage

For further information go to the Health Navigator website, talk to your GP or phone 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863)

The Ministry of Health recommends a two-week gap between getting your flu vaccine and your of COVID-19 vaccine. 

Should I get my flu shot first or my COVID-19 vaccine? 

Get your COVID-19 vaccine first if you already have an appointment booked, otherwise get your flu shot first. Leave a gap of two weeks between the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine.

 

Getting the right information matters

Be aware of incorrect information on social media and websites. Disinformation is also circulating in the form of pamphlets; if it's not from Unite Against COVID-19, the Ministry of Health or Te Puni Kokiri it might not be trustworthy.

You can get accurate, evidence-based information from: