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Super Saturday smashes record with 130k jabs

October 17, 2021
People at a Pasifika vaccination event at the Manurewa netball courts

The Government's mass vaccination day to boost the number of New Zealanders immunised against Covid-19 has smashed the previous record of 93,000 in a day.

The Ministry of Health says 130,002 people rolled up their sleeve to get the jab on Super Saturday, with the total finalised on Sunday.

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said the day has given a huge boost to New Zealand's vaccination rollout, thanking New Zealanders for getting behind the initiative. 

The aim is to protect as many people from Covid-19 as possible. (Source: Other)

“People across the motu embraced Super Saturday like their communities’ lives depended on it.  It was inspiring to witness as we know the Covid-19 vaccine is key to our efforts to control the virus."

That means 3.56 million people, or 85 per cent of New Zealand’s eligible population, have now had at least one Covid-19 vaccination, and 2.74 million people, or 65 per cent, are fully vaccinated.

Auckland is sitting just shy of the Government's target, with 89 per cent of the city's eligible population having now had their first dose.

“Auckland did incredibly well with its biggest ever vaccination day and I congratulate and thank everyone there who stepped forward to protect themselves, their whānau and their community," Bloomfield said. 

Of the 41,081 Aucklanders vaccinated on Saturday, 9,039 were first doses and 32,042 were second doses. 

It's hoped the city will reach the 90 per cent target in coming days, with only 20,360 more people needed to get their first dose. 

People at a vaccination event in Dunedin's Octagon

There were 51 new cases of Covid-19 detected in the community, the Ministry of Health announced on Sunday. Of which 47 are in Auckland and four are in Waikato. 

The Super Saturday Vaxathon showcased vaccination events nationwide, with celebrities including Lorde, Taika Waititi and Suzy Cato making appearances.

There was also a range of prizes up for grabs.

Thousands of New Zealanders right around the country came out to get jabbed and encourage others to follow suit, with free food and vouchers.

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