Booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine will start being administered in New Zealand from 29 November following approval by Medsafe.
“Booster doses will be available free for anyone in New Zealand aged 18 or older who has completed their two dose course more than six months ago. And, people will be able to access boosters in New Zealand, whether they received their earlier doses here or overseas,” COVID-19 Response Minister, Chris Hipkins said while making this announcement today.
“I’m also confirming that the Pfizer vaccine will be used for boosters, regardless of which vaccine was used for earlier doses. It’s the same Pfizer vaccine used for the first two doses in the vaccination rollout,” Minister added.
Emphasising there was no need to rush to get the booster as fully vaccinated people remain really well protected from infection, the Minister wanted the priority to be given to front line workers.
“Our healthcare and border workers are a priority group for booster vaccine doses because they’re on the front line against COVID-19 and because large numbers of them completed their vaccine course six months or longer ago. We will also be making sure older people including people in residential care have good access to booster doses when they become eligible.
“There are currently 144,000 people in New Zealand who have been vaccinated for six months and 455,847 who will be by the end of the year,” Chris Hipkins said.
You will be able to use the book my vaccine website to book a free booster vaccine dose from 26 November 2021 if you had your second dose at least six months back.
Booster doses are not currently required for the public to get a vaccine certificate for access to events, gyms, churches, hairdressers, and other services and premises.
