Over the past couple of weeks, you may have seen messaging regarding COVID-19 booster doses.
You can get a booster dose in Aotearoa New Zealand if:
you are aged 18 or over
you have had both primary doses of the vaccine
it has been at least six months since your second dose.
You can get a booster dose by calling us on (07) 348 3002 or speaking to a nurse at your next appointment.
If you are fully vaccinated, you remain well-protected from getting seriously ill if you do get COVID-19. However, current evidence shows that antibody levels decrease over time, and a booster dose is 95.6% effective against COVID-19.
When you arrive for your booster, your vaccinator will check the date of your last vaccination in the database to ensure it has been at least six months since your second primary dose.
The booster is different from the third primary dose recommended for severely immunocompromised people.
Some people over the age of 12 who are severely immunocompromised can get a third primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The eligibility criteria to get a third primary dose are complex as it only applies to severely immunocompromised people. With this in mind, you can only get a third primary dose after seeing your doctor or specialist.
If you think you might qualify, please talk to your GP. If it is eight weeks since your second dose, and your doctor confirms you meet the eligibility criteria, they can give you a prescription to take to any vaccination centre.
