Peter Farrant, a 64-year-old retired civil engineer, has been left dismayed and frustrated at what he says were a series of blunders while trying to protect himself from the global pandemic.
Even after he finally got the jab last week, he received an invitation from the Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday asking him to book a slot.
His trouble started on June 9 when he received a text message from the ministry saying, "You and your whānau are now able to have your Covid-19 vaccination".
But when he logged on, looking to book for both himself and his wife, confusion ensued.
After entering both their home address in Kaiapoi, just north of Christchurch, and his unique booking code, Farrant was told there were no centres within 50km of their house – and was then directed to an available centre at Elkland, Missouri, USA.
"We weren't in a hurry so it wasn't a critical thing but it was both annoying and amusing, to some degree," said Farrant.
Concerned that they'd had reactions to influenza vaccinations in the past, the Farrants wanted assurances that staff would be on hand to deal with any issues.
He phoned a provided 0800 number, but "a pleasant voice... employed by Canterbury District Health Board" said they couldn't help as they only did bookings, and suggested he contact the MoH.
Farrant says he was then told that he could only book an appointment for himself, and that his wife of 43 years was not considered part of his whānau.
The MoH said they could not help and redirected him back to the CDHB.
