COVID-19 vaccine boosters
The following message comes from the Ministry of Health:
The Government has announced that people will be able to access a Pfizer COVID-19 booster dose from Monday 29th November.
COVID Vaccination Technical Advisory Group advises that current evidence shows that immunity produced by the Pfizer vaccine wanes over time, particularly from six months after a primary vaccination course.
A booster dose can restore the protection provided by the original primary vaccination course and reduce the COVID-19 burden on hospitals and healthcare workers.
The Ministry is working at pace to ensure guidance collateral, and supporting technologies and processes, are updated to include booster doses.
Healthcare and border workers are a priority group for booster vaccine doses as they are at the front-line of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and because large numbers of healthcare workers completed their primary vaccination course at least six months ago.
Some DHBs may choose to make special arrangements or clinics for their staff. We will also be making sure older people and kaumatua, including people in residential care, have good access to booster doses when they become eligible.
A booster vaccine dose will be available for anyone who completed their vaccination course at least six months prior to their planned booster dose either in New Zealand or overseas. Communications will be clear that two doses provide good protection, including after six months, and booster doses are not urgent.
People can access a booster dose as a walk-in to vaccination clinics, or by making an appointment with a COVID-19 vaccinating GP, or by using the book my vaccine website.
The Pfizer vaccine is the preferred vaccine being used in New Zealand for booster doses, regardless of what vaccine was used for earlier doses.
Currently, booster doses will not be mandatory for workers who are required to be vaccinated, or to get a vaccine certificate used to access events, gyms, churches, hairdressers, and other services and premises.
The booster is different to the third primary dose recommended for severely immunocompromised consumers. People eligible for a third primary dose can access a booster dose six months after receiving their third primary dose.
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