More people in their 20s are coming forward to say they have been told they will get early access to a Covid-19 vaccination.
Some people in their 20s were uncertain why they had received an invitation to book for vaccination. Photo: RNZ / Simon Rogers
The texts on Wednesday telling people to book an appointment caused confusion among some younger people with no obvious health problems who received it.
Screenshot of the Covid-19 vaccination message. Photo: RNZ / Screenshot
At present people in group 3 - those over 65 or with underlying health conditions - are getting inoculations.
One woman told RNZ she called to ask why she would qualify for group 3 but the person she spoke to could not tell her.
The text does not specify what the person's condition is.
'I was excited at first but confused', Aucklander Jerika Teare said.
The 26 year old was uncertain why she was invited to book a vaccine.
"I tried the code and it let me book for a clinic near where I actually live which was great but I was still concerned I shouldn't have received the text in the first place and it was meant for someone else.
"I rang the vaccine hotline ... and was eventually passed up the chain until I was told that their system doesn't state why someone would be selected, but that they would investigate my case and I was fine to go ahead with my booking anyway."
Josh Eyre, 27, was also unsure why he had been included but said it was reassuring anyway.
"Haven't talked to any medical professionals about it yet, but was quite relieved to get it because it meant it was much firmer, like it means that it is a thing that is actually going to happen now."
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said yesterday health officials were looking into the matter, but he had not been told it was a systemic problem.
One district health board has explained it works out who is in group 3 by using medical records held by GPs.
Capital and Coast DHB said the group was very broad and some people who received texts, emails or messages might not realise they were eligible.
In recent days, we’ve been working with medical practices and primary health organisations to send text messages, emails and letters to people in our region, letting them know they are in Group 3 for the vaccine rollout and will receive an invitation to book by the end of July. pic.twitter.com/8wFEkBdR5T
— Capital & Coast DHB (@CCDHB) July 1, 2021
