COVID-19 vaccination and testing update 6 January 2022
From Wednesday 5 January 2022, anyone aged 18 and over who had their second vaccination at least four months ago can now get their booster dose.
Getting a booster shot maintains your body's immune response against all strains of the COVID-19 virus, including the highly transmissible Omicron and Delta strains.
The Pfizer vaccine is the primary vaccine being used in New Zealand for booster doses, even if you had a different vaccine for your earlier doses.
Where to get your COVID-19 booster
Walk-ins
You can walk-in to one of our main vaccination centres in Nelson, Richmond or Blenheim. The opening hours can be found on HealthPoint: COVID-19 Nelson Marlborough Vaccination Centres.
More pop-ups will be added to this page as they are confirmed.
Bookings
If you prefer to book an appointment time, you can do so by calling the COVID Vaccination Healthline team on 0800 28 29 26. From Monday 17 January 2022, you can also book your booster online via the BookMyVaccine.nz website (if it's been four months since your second dose).
COVID-19 testing
COVID-19 testing continues to be available. We ask anyone with symptoms – no matter how mild – to please get tested, even if you are vaccinated. Read about symptoms to be alert to on the Ministry of Health website: About COVID-19 symptoms and spread | Ministry of Health NZ
Community Based Assessment Centre (CBAC)
To find locations and hours for a free COVID-19 test, go to HealthPoint: COVID-19 testing Nelson Marlborough.
Please note, CBACs are not for members of the public who require a COVID-19 test for travel purposes. If you require a COVID-19 test for travel purposes, you need to contact your GP. Rapid antigen testing for unvaccinated domestic travellers is still available until 17 January at the pharmacies listed here: COVID-19 Rapid antigen testing Nelson Marlborough.
If you have been tested for COVID-19 because you are symptomatic, please go straight home and do not go to school, work or other public places until you have had a negative test result. You will be notified when the result is available, usually between 2–5 days.