Te Whatu Ora – Southern is encouraging the community to add their COVID-19 vaccinations to their summer checklist to help them make the most of the season’s celebrations.

“Keeping up to date with your vaccinations, and getting a booster or second booster if you’re eligible, is the best way to protect yourself against severe illness from COVID-19,” Southern COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Lead Karl Metzler said.

“The more of us who stay well, the less disruption on our communities, businesses and our health sector so we can all enjoy seeing friends and whānau, travelling and celebrating upcoming holidays.”

The Southern COVID-19 vaccination programme is running a “Spring Fling” of activity in the lead up to summer to support people in getting up to date with their vaccinations – which also includes other important vaccines, such as the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) Vaccine, which is available free for tamariki and also for some adults who may have missed vaccination.

Planned activity includes pop-up vaccination events, appearances at community events, and working with providers across the region to increase their capacity. Many of these locations will also offer free vaccinations against influenza; MMR; tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough; and human papillomavirus. Availability will vary by location and will be advertised locally in advance.

All vaccines (except the shingles vaccine) can be given at the same time or immediately before or after the COVID-19 vaccine.

To find a clinic near you, including pop-up events and walk-in clinics, visit www.southernhealth.nz/COVID19/clinics or call 0800 28 29 26.

Eligibility

Vaccinations are available across the region for those aged five and over. Tamariki aged 5-11 years receive a smaller dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and should receive two doses 8 weeks apart for the best protection.

Those aged 18 and over are eligible for a Pfizer booster at least 3 months after their last dose, or a Novavax booster 6 months after their last dose. Those aged 16-17 are eligible for a Pfizer booster 6 months after their last dose.

Second boosters are recommended for:

• people aged 65 years and over;
• Māori and Pacific peoples aged 50 years and over;
• residents of aged care and disability care facilities;
• severely immunocompromised people who received a three-dose primary course and a fourth dose as a first booster (noting this would be a fifth dose for these people);
• people aged 16 years and over who have a medical condition that increases the risk of severe breakthrough COVID-19 illness and
• people aged 16 years and over who live with disability with significant or complex health needs or multiple comorbidities

The second booster is also available to everyone aged 50 and over; and healthcare and aged care workers aged 30 and over.

If you have had COVID-19, wait three months after recovery before getting a COVID-19 vaccination.