Health Services

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you from getting seriously unwell if you catch the virus. It also helps reduce the spread in your community, keeping friends, whānau, and those most at risk safer.

Anyone aged 5 and over can get a free COVID-19 vaccine in New Zealand. It's a simple and effective way to build immunity, especially as new variants continue to emerge. If you're 16 -29 years of age, you can get one COVID-19 additional dose 6 months after your initial dose or COVID-19 illness to keep your protection up to date.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines can have side effects, but most are mild and short-lived, and they’re a sign your body is building protection against the virus. Most side effects of COVID-19 vaccines usually go away within a day or two.

Common side effects can include:

•  Pain or swelling at the injection site

•  Tiredness

•  Headache

•  Muscle or joint aches

•  Chills or mild fever

•  Nausea

•  Swollen lymph nodes

•  Feeling unwell or dizzy

If you’re unsure about symptoms or have a health condition, it’s a good idea to chat with your pharmacist or GP before getting vaccinated.

COVID-19 is still around, and for some people it can be very serious. Since 2020, the virus has sadly taken the lives of more than 4,500 New Zealanders. Those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell.

That’s why getting a COVID-19 additional dose each year is especially important if you’re in a higher-risk group. This includes:

• Anyone aged 65 and over

• Māori and Pacific people aged 50 and over

• People with severely weakened immune systems

• Anyone aged 12 and over with certain medical conditions

Even if you've already had a COVID-19 additional dose, it's important to get another one to ensure your protection stays up to date. Over time, immunity from the vaccine can decrease and new strains emerge, making it easier to get infected again.

If you’re not sure when your last vaccine was, you can find your COVID-19 vaccine certificate records at My Health Record (previously My Covid Record). Alternatively, check with your doctor.