COVID-19 vaccine boosters

Having COVID-19 does not provide the same level of immunity as getting vaccinated. We also know that your protection from the primary course (this is usually 2 doses) of the vaccine decreases over time.

To keep your immunity levels high, stay up to date with your vaccinations — including boosters. This will lower your chances of getting very sick from COVID-19 and ending up in hospital.

For boosters, we use the Pfizer BA.4/5 bivalent vaccine. This is an updated vaccine targeting Omicron. COVID-19 vaccines are free.

The bivalent vaccine produces an immune response against the original virus and Omicron variants. Specifically the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants.

Current evidence indicates the bivalent vaccine is more effective against Omicron subvariants than earlier vaccines.

If you do not want the bivalent vaccine, you can ask for the original Pfizer vaccine when you arrive for your vaccination.

If you are 30 years of age and over, you can have a booster regardless of the number of boosters you have already had.

You can have a booster if:

• you have had your first 2 COVID-19 vaccinations (your primary course)
• it is recommended you wait at least 6 months since you had COVID-19
• it is recommended you wait at least 6 months since you had any other COVID-19 vaccine.

Boosters are especially recommended for:

• all people over 65 years old
• Māori and Pacific people aged 50 and over
• pregnant people with health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19   
• people with disability with significant or complex health needs 
• people with serious mental health conditions  
• young people aged 12 to 15 who have a medical condition that increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 — talk to your usual doctor, nurse or healthcare provider about whether this is recommended and how to get a prescription.

Healthy people aged 16 to 29 can have a 1 booster dose.

To get a booster:

• you must have had at least your first 2 COVID-19 vaccinations, and
• it is recommended you wait at least 6 months since your last COVID-19 vaccine or infection.

Additional booster doses for 16 to 29 year olds at high risk

Some people aged 16 to 29 can have an additional booster dose. This includes: 

• severely immunocompromised people 
• pregnant people
• those who have a medical condition that increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19
• those who live with disability with significant or complex health needs or multiple comorbidities. 

Healthy children under 16 years old are not eligible for boosters. 

Young people aged 12 to 15 who have a medical condition that increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 can get a booster dose on prescription. Talk to your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider about whether this is recommended and how to get a prescription. 

Children under the age of 12 cannot get a booster.

You can talk to your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider about your child's specific circumstances.

Children have a good immune response and are much less likely to have a severe illness and need to go to hospital if they get COVID-19.

You can check the date of your last vaccination in My Covid Record.

Visit My Covid Record (external link)

To find out over the phone, call the COVID Vaccination Healthline. You can call between 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

Call: 0800 28 29 26

There are many places around New Zealand where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment.

COVID-19 vaccinations, no appointment required | Healthpoint (external link)