More than 2 million people have now received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, Minister for Covid-19 Response, Chris Hipkins announced on Monday.
“As of this morning, 2,018,305 people were fully vaccinated with two doses, representing 48 per cent of people aged 12 and over,” Hipkins said.
“And more broadly, 3,328,286 people have had at least one dose – that’s 79 per cent of people aged 12 and over.
“I want to thank everyone who’s stepped forward. Each and every person vaccinated increases our protection and reduces the need for lockdown measures – so it’s a huge thanks from me to everyone for playing their part.”
He said the vaccination milestone was also testament to the great effort of New Zealand’s health workers.
“These workers have stepped up across the country – and particularly at our testing centres and vaccination clinics in Auckland – and they’re continuing to deliver numbers we can all be proud of.”
“With 5,346,591 doses administered so far, and 1,067,000 active bookings in the Book My Vaccine system, the response of New Zealanders means we’re on track to our goal of having all eligible people vaccinated by the end of the year.”
In Auckland to date, a total of 1,950,883 vaccinations have been delivered – with more than 1.2 million first doses and almost 750,000 second doses.
He said the vaccination programme continued to adapt with new and different approaches, such as drive through vaccination centres and more mobile and pop-up testing sites.
“The best ongoing defence against the impact of Covid-19 will be for as many New Zealanders as possible to get vaccinated – the more people who’re vaccinated the harder it becomes for the virus to keep moving.”
“Make your appointments now – every dose counts,” Hipkins said.
