COVID-19 Vaccination
Everyone aged 5 and over can get a free COVID-19 vaccine now. You can get a booster if you are aged 16 or over. Staying protected against COVID 19 is vital to maintaining your health.
The updated COVID-19 vaccine (JN.1) is now available at your local Unichem and Life Pharmacies.
This latest vaccine has been designed to provide enhanced protection against current variants, helping to safeguard you and your loved ones.
Don’t wait—book your vaccination today and take an important step towards staying healthy this season.
· People aged 16 to 17 years old can get their boosters at least six months from completing their primary course.
· People aged 18 years old and above can get their boosters at least three months from completing their primary course.
· You can still get your first or second vaccination from a pharmacy below.
· Check Covid-19 vaccine Boosters full criteria by MOH here.
COVID-19 vaccine
Staying protected against COVID-19 is easier than ever. Whether it’s your first COVID-19 vaccine or an additional dose to keep your immunity strong, you don’t need to visit your doctor to get vaccinated. Just book online or walk into your local Unichem pharmacy – our trained team is here to help keep you and your whānau safe.
Stay up to date with your COVID-19 protection – walk in or book your additional dose now
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.
How the COVID-19 vaccine protects you
The COVID-19 vaccine works by preparing your immune system to recognise and fight the virus that causes the illness. It does this by introducing a harmless piece of the virus (the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccines is not a live virus) to your body to safely build up protection. That way, when you're exposed to the real virus in the future, your immune system knows exactly how to respond and fights off the infection, preventing you from getting seriously sick.
COVID-19 vaccines are some of the most thoroughly tested and monitored vaccines ever developed. They've been safely given to hundreds of millions of people around the world. You can learn more about them from trusted sources like Health NZ.
Do the COVID-19 vaccines have side effects?
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.
Who should get a COVID-19 vaccine?
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
Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine if I’ve already had one?
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.
Do I need to book my COVID-19 vaccine?
You can book a COVID-19 vaccine online at your local Unichem pharmacy today, or feel free to call and make an appointment. You can also walk in and make an appointment in person. Sometimes an appointment may be available immediately.
Don’t delay – get your COVID-19 vaccination or COVID additional dose sorted today, so you and your loved ones are protected.
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