Vaccination for children aged 6 months to 4 years

Children aged 6 months to 4 years who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 can get a free COVID-19 vaccination now. Learn about eligibility, effectiveness, and providing consent.

Eligibility criteria for young children

Tamariki aged 6 months to 4 years can get the paediatric Pfizer vaccine if they are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. It is a 3-dose course. The second dose should be 3 weeks after the first dose, followed by a third dose given at least 8 weeks after the second dose.

Eligible children include those who are severely immunocompromised, or who have complex or multiple health conditions.

Health conditions include:

  • chronic lung disease
  • serious heart conditions such as congestive heart failure or congenital heart disease
  • diabetes
  • chronic kidney disease
  • chronic neurological or neuromuscular disease such as cerebral palsy
  • Down syndrome
  • a weakened immune system or are on an immunosuppressive treatment such as chemotherapy
  • severe haematological disorders
  • a transplant in the last 24 months.

You can find more detailed information on the eligibility criteria on the Starship website:

Risk factors for COVID-19 in children | Starship (external link)

Children aged 6 months to 4 years who do not have these health conditions have a very low likelihood of severe illness from COVID-19. They are not eligible for the vaccine. If you are unsure if your child is eligible, contact your healthcare provider.

Tips before vaccination

Before your child's vaccination appointment:

  • provide encouragement and keep them relaxed
  • consider scheduling the vaccine appointment for the start of the day to avoid anxiety building up
  • make sure they have had something to eat and drink
  • check they are wearing clothes that make it easy to see and access their upper arm or thigh.

If they are a little nervous, they are welcome to take something to the appointment that will distract them, like a soft toy, phone or some music.

Make a booking or find a vaccination centre

Not every vaccination site stocks the vaccines for the 6-month to 4-year age group, but there are lots of ways to find a site convenient for you. Book online or over the phone, or visit a walk-in or drive-through vaccination centre.

Book online

Book My Vaccine(external link) (external link)

Check the appointment availability map first — it shows you where vaccination sites are, and how soon you can get an appointment. Choose the 6 months to 4 years age band from the dropdown menu.

Appointment availability map | Book My Vaccine (external link)

If you need help

If you have problems booking or need to change your details, email booking@vaccine.covid19.health.nz

Book over the phone

Call: 0800 28 29 26

It is free to book over the phone, and the team is available from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

You can ask for an interpreter if you need one. Translation services are available in over 40 languages, and there is the option to use NZ Relay Services.

It is a good idea to have your child's NHI (National Health Index) number ready. This will make the booking process quicker. You can also make whānau group bookings when you call.

Find a vaccination centre

Not all COVID-19 vaccination sites offer vaccinations to young children. Your local doctor or pharmacy may be able to vaccinate your child. There may also be walk-in or drive-through centres.

Find a walk-in or drive-through vaccination centre near you | Healthpoint (external link)

If you have questions or concerns

If you would like to talk through any questions or worries, you can call the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

The team can chat through your concerns and, if needed, can refer you to a medical professional.

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