We all need accurate and reliable information when we make a decision for ourselves and our whānau. Here you can learn from the experts and get answers about popular topics.
Getting vaccinated means you are far less likely to get really sick and have to go to hospital if you catch COVID-19. You are also less likely to pass COVID-19 on to other people.
In the clinical trials it was found that the Pfizer vaccine gave 95% protection against the symptoms of COVID-19.
While a 2-dose course provides some protection against Omicron, a booster is likely offer greater protection by reducing the chance of more serious infection and the risk of transmitting it to others.
We are encouraging everyone who is eligible to get a free booster now.
Common questions
While a 2-dose course provides some protection against severe disease from the Omicron variant, a booster is likely offer greater protection by reducing the chance of more serious infection and the risk of transmitting it to others.
We are encouraging everyone who is eligible to get a free booster now. Speeding up the booster rollout is one of several ways we are protecting Aotearoa New Zealand from the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Having COVID-19 does not provide the same level of immunity as getting vaccinated. We also know that your protection from the primary course of the vaccine decreases over time.
To keep your immunity levels high, stay up to date with your vaccinations — including boosters. This will lower your chances of getting very sick from COVID-19 and ending up in hospital.
If you are immunocompromised
Some people over the age of 12 who are severely immunocompromised are eligible to get a third primary dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. This third dose is optional, but is recommended. People eligible for a third primary dose can access a booster dose 3 months after receiving their third primary dose (or 6 months if they are 16 or 17).
Find more information about how to get a third primary dose
COVID-19 generally has mild effects in tamariki and is rarely severe or fatal. Tamariki and rangatahi who have COVID-19 will commonly have no symptoms or only mild respiratory symptoms, similar to a cold. However, some can become very sick and need to go to hospital.
Like adults, if your tamariki are infected with COVID-19, they may transmit the virus to other people. Immunising tamariki and rangatahi helps protect whānau members whose health makes them more vulnerable to COVID-19.
The Pfizer booster is currently approved by Medsafe for those aged 16 years and over.
For rangatahi under 16, a booster dose is not currently approved by Medsafe or recommended by the immunisation programme.
Medsafe has received some data from Pfizer for booster doses for the 12 to 15 year age group, but they are waiting for Pfizer to submit further information. Once Medsafe receives this extra information, it will review it as a priority.
You can discuss specific clinical circumstances with your GP or healthcare provider. As with all medicines, vaccines can be used outside of Medsafe approval (this is called ‘off label’) if they are prescribed by an authorised prescriber.
We know it is a lot harder for the virus to spread between people who are vaccinated. To be safe, however, we must assume there is still a risk of transmission.
This is why it is important to continue taking extra safety measures, such as wearing a mask and washing your hands regularly, after you have been vaccinated.
COVID-19 vaccines needed to be rolled out quickly, but that does not mean safety was compromised. The Pfizer vaccine we are using in New Zealand is held to the same high safety standards as any other medicine.
COVID-19 vaccines are the most well-studied vaccines ever made. More than 50% of the world's population have had a COVID-19 vaccine. Nearly 4 million people in Aotearoa have had their second Pfizer vaccine, and over 2.5 million people have had a booster. This means we have lots of data to show the Pfizer vaccine has been thoroughly assessed for safety.
Common questions
Tamariki (children) aged 5 to 11 can be protected against COVID-19 with 2 child doses of the Pfizer vaccine at least 8 weeks apart.
The paediatric (child) formulation of the Pfizer vaccine is a lower dose and smaller volume compared to the adult formulation. The vaccine is administered with a smaller needle.
The trials in 5 to 11-year-olds with a paediatric Pfizer vaccine showed it was safe and side effects were generally mild.
The paediatric Pfizer vaccine is highly effective. That means if immunised children do develop COVID-19, they are far less likely to fall seriously ill and less likely to transmit the virus to others.
For children aged 5 to 11, clinical trial results showed the Pfizer vaccine was 90.7% effective against getting COVID-19 symptoms, and no participants developed severe COVID-19.
The Pfizer vaccine has been thoroughly assessed for safety for people with underlying health conditions.
You are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated and get a booster when you are eligible, if you have a condition like cancer, diabetes, kidney disease or heart disease. This is because if you catch COVID-19, you are more likely to get seriously ill and end up in hospital.
You cannot get the Pfizer vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to an ingredient in the vaccine.
If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor before getting vaccinated.
If you are pregnant
If you catch COVID-19 when you are pregnant, you are more likely to become very unwell — so it is a good idea to get vaccinated and get a booster when you become eligible.
Millions of pregnant people have been vaccinated around the world. Data shows no evidence that the vaccine is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage during pregnancy, and no additional safety concerns have been raised.
The vaccine protects you as you are far less likely to fall seriously ill. It also protects your baby as there is evidence that babies can get antibodies through the placenta that help protect them from COVID-19. The Pfizer vaccine does not contain a live virus or any ingredients that are harmful to pregnant people or their babies.
There is insufficient data on the use of Novavax in pregnant people, so Pfizer remains the preferred choice of vaccine for this group.
If you are breastfeeding
Studies show there are no additional safety concerns or issues with continuing to breastfeed after vaccination.
Breastfeeding supports the development of a healthy immune system, and if you are vaccinated against COVID-19, there is evidence that you can provide extra protection for your baby through antibodies in your breastmilk.
Find out more about vaccination when you pregnant or breastfeeding
No, the Pfizer vaccine will not affect your genes or fertility.
The mRNA from the vaccine does not enter the nucleus of any cells, which is where your DNA is.
You might feel nervous about getting the vaccine, which is normal.
A fully trained vaccinator will give you the vaccine in your upper arm, and it will be over very fast. You will then need to stay for at least 15 minutes so we can make sure you do not have an immediate reaction.
Common questions
Like all medicines, you might experience some mild side effects in the days after getting your vaccination. This is common, and a sign that your body is learning to fight the virus.
Most side effects do not last long, and will not stop you from having a second dose or going about your daily life. Some side effects may temporarily affect your ability to drive or use machinery.
Some side effects are more common after the second dose.
The side effects of vaccination in children are similar to those seen in adults. These side effects are generally mild and should only last 1 or 2 days.
Find out about reporting side effects
Common side effects
In clinical trials, common side effects were reported in every 1 in 10 to 1 in 100 people. These include:
- pain or swelling at the injection site
- feeling tired or fatigued
- headache
- muscle aches
- chills
- joint pain
- fever
- redness at the injection site
- nausea.
Uncommon side effects
In clinical trials, uncommon side effects were reported in every 1 in 100 to 1 in 1,000 people. These include:
- enlarged lymph nodes
- feeling unwell
- insomnia.
Rare side effects
Temporary one-sided facial drooping has been reported as a rare side effect, affecting every 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000 people in the clinical trials.
Myocarditis and pericarditis
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. Pericarditis is inflammation of the tissue forming a sac around the heart. These conditions are usually caused by viral infections including COVID-19, but they are also very rare and serious side effects of the Pfizer and Novavax vaccines.
Symptoms of myocarditis or pericarditis linked to the vaccine generally appear within a few days, and mostly within the first few weeks after having the vaccine.
If you get any of these symptoms after your vaccination, promptly get medical help, especially if the symptoms do not go away:
- tightness, heaviness, discomfort or pain in your chest or neck
- difficulty breathing or catching your breath
- feeling faint or dizzy or light-headed
- fluttering, racing or pounding heart, or feeling like it is ‘skipping beats’.
If you feel any of these symptoms in the days or weeks after the vaccine, you should see a healthcare professional — for example your doctor, a hospital emergency department or after-hours medical service. You will not have to pay for this.
You can also call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 any time to get advice.
If you need urgent medical help, call 111. Tell them you have had a COVID-19 vaccination so they can assess you properly. Also tell them if you have COVID-19, or have had it.
Allergic reactions
If you have had a severe or immediate allergic reaction to any vaccine or injection in the past, tell your vaccinator when you arrive. Serious allergic reactions do happen but are very rare.
Novavax is available at limited locations to anyone aged 18 years and over, who has not been fully vaccinated and wants a different COVID-19 vaccine option.
You can book your Novavax dose online through BookMyVaccine or by calling the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26.
The Novavax vaccine needs 2 doses. You will need to wait at least 3 weeks before getting your second dose.
Novavax is not currently available as a booster dose.
Novavax vaccine | Ministry of Health
If you have had a different vaccine as your first dose
If you have had a different vaccine as your first dose, you will need a prescription to get Novavax as your second dose. You can get a prescription at the vaccinating Novavax clinic or before your appointment with your preferred doctor. It is free to visit the doctor for a Novavax prescription.
We recommend you wait at least 28 days to get Novavax as your second dose.
If you are pregnant
There is insufficient data on the use of Novavax in pregnant people, so Pfizer remains the preferred choice of vaccine for this group.
The AstraZeneca vaccine is no longer available in New Zealand.
Many of us are nervous about needles – you are not alone. There are things you can do to help. Bring someone to your appointment who can hold your hand or distract you, and make sure to tell your vaccinator. They will understand and can help make you comfortable.
Advice for people who don’t like needles | Immunisation Advisory Centre
Anyone who has difficulty leaving their home safely may be able to be vaccinated at home.
Talk to your doctor or call the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 to discuss what options will best meet your needs.
If you are unwell on the day of your appointment, you will need to reschedule it. You can be vaccinated once you are well again.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get a test and stay at home until you get your results. You can be vaccinated once you have a negative test.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19
Even if you have had COVID-19 you should still get any COVID-19 vaccinations you are eligible for.
It is recommended you wait 3 months after testing positive before getting any COVID-19 vaccination. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine sooner than 3 months might reduce your immune response to the vaccine.
A gap of 3 months gives your body time to wind back down and get the most benefit from vaccination.
However, if you are at high risk of severe illness if you do catch COVID-19 again, we recommend you talk to your doctor or other specialist for advice on the timing of your next dose. It might be appropriate for you to receive your COVID-19 vaccine sooner than 3 months.
If you are under 18
The 3-month interval should only be shortened for 5 to 17-year-olds in exceptional circumstances and should be assessed by a doctor or specialist.
Children and young adults have a good immune response to vaccines, and there is less data available on providing COVID-19 vaccines to children and adolescents less than 3 months after infection with COVID-19.