COVID-19 Vaccine  

Everyone over five is eligible for the primary course of the COVID-19 vaccine (two shots). 16 and 17-year-olds can get a booster 6 months after the primary course. People 18 and over can be boosted 3 months after the primary course. 


Primary course 

Everyone in New Zealand aged 5 or over can get a free COVID-19 vaccination. For most people, the primary course is 2 doses. 


Booster 

You can get a free booster if you are aged 16 or over and have completed your primary course of the vaccine. 

If you are aged 16 or 17 

  • You can get a Pfizer booster 6 months after completing your primary course. 

If you are aged 18 or over 

  • You can get a Pfizer or AstraZeneca booster 3 months after completing your primary course, or a Novavax booster 6 months after completing your primary course. 

  • Note: AstraZeneca will no longer be available from 5 September 2022. If you are planning to get an AstraZeneca booster, your appointment must be on or before 4 September. 


Second Booster  

For young people, second boosters are available to: 

  • people aged 16 and over who live with a disability with significant or complex health needs or multiple comorbidities 

  • people aged 16 and over with a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness. 

 

For more information, visit: Get your COVID-19 vaccination

Talk to your GP or search Healthpoint for a vaccination centre near you.  

Flu 

Flu vaccinations are free for tamariki ages 3 through 12. Rangatahi can get a flu shot at their GP, a pharmacy, or at a walk-in clinic for a fee.

Find locations near you on Healthpoint.  

MMR 

MMR stands for measles, mumps, and rubella. If you’re aged 15-30 you might not be protected against measles. Measles is a serious disease that can make you very sick. Getting immunised is the best way to protect against measles – it’s easy and free. 

MMR immunisations are free for anyone born after January 1969 who hasn't already had two recorded doses. 

Learn more here: Measles and young people

 

Vaccinations for 11 and 12-year-olds 


Tdap vaccine (Boostrix)

Babies usually receive immunisations at 6 weeks, 3 months and 5 months of age, which provides protection against tetanus, Diptheria and whooping cough (pertussis). A follow-up dose of the Tdap vaccine is needed around the age of 11 or 1z2, to boost the protection against these illnesses.

HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9)

The HPV vaccine protects against nine strains of human papillomavirus which can cause cervical and some other cancers, and genital warts. Protection is long-lasting, so immunisation at age 11-12 protects well into adulthood. The vaccine is given in two doses, which be at least 6 months apart.  Those beginning vaccination at age 15 or older will need three doses. While getting immunised at school is convenient for most families, the HPV vaccines are also available for free through general practices. 

Where to get vaccinated 


Talk to your GP, search for a pharmacy  on Healthpoint, or visit the 

Saturday immunisation clinic at the Richmond Health Hub every Saturday from 9.30am until 12.30pm for: 

  • Childhood immunisations 

  • Immunisations for pregnant women (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis and flu) 

  • 11-12-year-old immunisations (HPV and Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis) 

  • MMR immunisations 

To learn more about the New Zealand Immunisation Schedule, visit the New Zealand Immunisation Schedule | Ministry of Health NZ. 

Please note that at the Richmond Saturday clinic flu shots are only available to pregnant women.