Get your COVID-19 vaccination

Everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand aged 5 and over can get a free COVID-19 vaccine now. You can get a booster if you are aged 16 or over.


Which COVID-19 vaccine you will get

Pfizer is the preferred COVID-19 vaccine for use in New Zealand.

If you are 18 years of age or older and either cannot get the Pfizer vaccine or want a different option, you can get the Novavax vaccine.

You will be given the option to choose your vaccine type when you book. The Novavax vaccine is not available at all vaccination sites.

Whichever vaccine you get, you will need 2 doses. COVID-19 vaccines are free.

COVID-19 vaccines used in New Zealand

Side effects

Like all medicines, you might experience some mild side effects in the days after getting your vaccination. This is common, and a sign that your body is learning to fight the virus.

Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines

Booster doses

Having COVID-19 does not provide the same level of immunity as getting vaccinated. We also know that your protection from the primary course 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.

Boosters provide an extra layer of protection to previous vaccination and help your immunity be stronger and last longer. The Pfizer BA.4/5 bivalent vaccine is now the vaccine used for boosters.

If you have had COVID-19 and are eligible for a booster, you can get it 6 months after you tested positive.

COVID-19 vaccine boosters

Book a COVID-19 vaccination

Book online

It is free, fast and easy to book or change your appointments using the website Book My Vaccine.

Book My Vaccine (external link)

Before you book, check the appointment availability map. It can show you where vaccination sites are, how soon you can get an appointment, and which vaccine types are available.

Appointment availability map | bookmyvaccine.health.nz (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

The COVID-19 Vaccination Healthline is available from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

You can ask for an interpreter if you need one.

Call: 0800 28 29 26

Change or cancel an appointment

You will need your booking reference to reschedule or cancel an appointment online. If you cannot find your booking reference, you can reschedule or cancel over the phone.

You can find your booking reference in the confirmation email or text you received when you booked. Check your inbox for an email from booking@vaccine.covid19.health.nz or your phone for a text from 2328.

Cancel or change your booking online | bookmyvaccine.health.nz (external link)

Call: 0800 28 29 26

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