Psychiatrist Dr Susanna Every-Palmer, of Otago University (Wellington), said clinicians are hearing anecdotal reports people who fit the criteria have not been identified or invited for their jab. Stuff also heard from a handful of people with mental health conditions who were not aware they may be eligible. Supplied Associate professor Susanna Every-Palmer, University of Otago, wanted to stress that people over 16 who have diagnoses of severe mental illness or are clients of mental health services are eligible for a vaccine “now”. New Zealand Medical Journal states the risk of dying from Covid-19 may be up to twice as high for people with mental health and addiction issues, and even higher for people with certain diagnoses.