EARLY figures suggest the Cottage Hospital in Wellington is achieving good take up rates for first vaccinations for individuals in the 1-5 cohort – well above 80 per cent.

But Dr di Mambro, clinical Lead for the local vaccination hub, says: ‘However we, are struggling to get cohorts 6-9 to book in for their first vaccinations and we will have to draw a line under first vaccinations at the local hub in Wellington very soon.

“We have appointments available for this Saturday (March 27) for first vaccinations and we urge people to book an appointment via the text link they have been sent.

“Invitations for second vaccinations are being sent out currently for clinics that will take place around the Easter period.

“We would ask that patients only contact their GP practice if they have been invited by text and have not managed to use the link.

“Patients can also send a decline response to the text, and we would encourage this if they have had the vaccine elsewhere or if they do not wish to have the vaccine for whatever reason, as this will help us to assess how many more people we need to contact and vaccinate.”