Older New Zealanders or anyone with a chronic illness is being urged to promptly get their Covid-19 booster, if they haven't already done so.

“If you are over 65 or have a chronic illness like diabetes, cancer or cardio-vascular disease and haven’t had your booster, now is the time to go and get it,” says Southern DHB COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Programme Lead Karl Metzler.  

Source: Ministry of Health, 16 March 2022

“As a district, Southern did a fantastic job of getting our two shots. However, we know our immunity reduces over time, so we need to pull out all the stops to do it again by getting boosted.”

“The booster dose can make the difference between life and death for some people and will give you the best possible protection against serious illness and hospitalisation,” he says.

The booster dose is important to bolster immunity as the protection from two doses of the vaccine reduces over time, so it is important to get your booster dose.

Each vaccination takes about two weeks to build protection against COVID-19. 

Metzler also made a plea to younger generations.

“We know that younger people are less likely to experience serious illness from Covid, but high rates of infection among these age groups are putting older and more vulnerable people at risk. If you have had your booster, you are less likely to infect other people in your whānau and the community,” he said.

Everyone who is over 18, and who had their 2nd vaccination at least three months ago, should go and get their booster now, while those between 12 and 17 should make sure they have both doses, he said.  

Metzler also reminded parents and caregivers, “It has now been eight weeks since a number of our 5-11 tamariki in Southern received their first dose. Please check when your tamariki are due for their second dose and make an appointment or find a walk-in clinic to ensure they have the best protection possible against Covid. It is also a great time to get a first dose if you haven’t already done so.” 

Southern DHB recommend the best way to protect yourself, your whānau, and your community is by getting vaccinated, getting your booster shot if you are eligible and following public health guidelines: wear your mask, wash your hands, get tested if you are sick and stay home until you receive a negative test result. 

A full list of clinics offering vaccinations for people aged 12 years and over can be found at https://www.southernhealth.nz/COVID19/clinics.

A full list of clinics currently offering vaccinations for 5–11-year-olds can be found at www.southernhealth.nz/COVID19/vaccine/children.

Covid-19 vaccination appointments can be booked now on BookMyVaccine or by calling 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 8pm, 7 days).