Following last month’s rollout of additional COVID-19 boosters for people aged 30 and older, the eligibility has now been extended to include all pregnant people aged 16 and older, says Te Whatu Ora Interim Director Prevention, Astrid Koornneef.

 

To better align with the criteria for funded flu vaccines, all pregnant people aged 16 and over can now access an additional COVID-19 booster, regardless of how many doses they have had before. This change means that more pregnant people can receive both a COVID-19 vaccine and funded flu vaccine at the same time, if it has been at least six months since they last had a COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection.

 

“I encourage everyone who is eligible, including people who are pregnant to get both their COVID-19 booster and flu vaccination to ensure that they are well protected ahead of Winter. Getting vaccinated remains the best way to protect yourself from severe illness when pregnant. You can book an appointment for both vaccines on BookMyVaccine.nz.”

 

Staying up to date with the recommended COVID-19 vaccinations will continue to protect you from the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation or death from COVID-19. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine remains the preferred choice during pregnancy.

 

An additional COVID-19 booster is also recommended for certain age groups, including those aged 65 and over, Māori and Pacific people aged 50 and over, in addition to people who are younger but severely immunocompromised or at higher risk of becoming severely ill if they do get COVID-19.

 

“Today also marks one month since we started our annual rollout of flu vaccines, and we have seen a positive uptake so far. As of 28 April, people across the motu have received 583,590 doses of flu vaccines and 317,099 people have received an additional COVID-19 booster.

 

“If you’ve had a COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection in the last 6 months, it’s recommended that you wait at least 6 months before getting an additional dose.

 

“Protecting our most vulnerable people from the severe impacts of COVID-19 diseases and continuous reassessment of our vaccination criteria is part of that approach.,” said Astrid Koornneef.

 

More information about who is eligible for an additional COVID-19 booster is available on the new Te Whatu Ora website immunise.health.nz: COVID-19 vaccines | NZ immunisations | Te Whatu Ora – Health NZ (immunise.health.nz)