Vaccination protects your child, your whānau and your community. If you are aged 50 or over, you can get a second booster now.
Everyone in New Zealand aged 5 or over can get a free COVID-19 vaccination. It does not matter what your visa or citizenship status is.
Children under 5 cannot get vaccinated for COVID-19.
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 AstraZeneca or Novavax vaccine.
You will be given the option to choose your vaccine type when you book. The AstraZeneca and Novavax vaccines are not available at all vaccination sites.
Whichever vaccine you get, you will need 2 doses.
Note: AstraZeneca will no longer be available from 5 September 2022. If you are planning to get an AstraZeneca booster, your appointment must be on or before 4 September.
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.
Why you need to stay up to date with your vaccinations
These less common symptoms almost always occur with one or more of the common symptoms.
These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have COVID-19. The symptoms are like other illnesses that are much more common, such as colds and flu.
Shortness of breath is a sign of possible pneumonia and requires immediate medical attention.
If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor, Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or your iwi health provider.