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Covid-19 Vaccination

Staying protected against COVID19 is vital to maintaining your health. The updated COVID-19 vaccine (JN.1) is now available at your local Life Pharmacy.

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.

Book Now

PROTECT YOUR WHANAU AGAINST COVID-19

Check with your local pharmacy regarding the availability of Paediatrics vaccinations.

Here are some key reasons to consider getting vaccinated:

· Protection Against Severe Illness: The vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and death from COVID-19. Even if vaccinated individuals contract the virus, they tend to experience milder symptoms​

Who is eligible for Additional Doses:

Age 30+: Eligible for additional doses if it has been at least 6 months since the last COVID-19 infection or vaccination.

Especially recommended for:
- People 65+
- Māori and Pacific people 50+
- Aged care residents
- Severely immunocompromised individuals
- Individuals 12+ with high-risk medical conditions

Age 16-29: Healthy individuals can receive 1 additional dose if they’ve completed initial immunisations and it has been 6 months since the last dose or infection.

- Higher-risk groups (e.g., immunocompromised, pregnant, medically vulnerable, or with significant disabilities) may receive further doses.

Age 12-15: Only those with a high-risk medical condition or who are pregnant can get additional doses.

Under 12 Years Old:
- Healthy children aged 5-11 can receive 1 dose, which provides good protection; additional doses are not recommended.
- High-risk and immunocompromised children may need more than 1 dose for adequate protection.

who can get the vaccine or booster

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Anyone aged 5 and over can get a free COVID-19 vaccine now. You can get a booster if you are aged 16 or over.

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People aged 16 to 17 years old can get their boosters at least six months from completing their primary course.

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People aged 18 years old and above can get their boosters at least three months from completing their primary course.

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You can still get your first or second vaccination from a pharmacy below.

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*Covid-19 Booster vaccinations are available now to anyone 4 months post receiving their second COVID-19 vaccination. Visit mycovidreccord.nz or ask in pharmacy to check the date of your last vaccination.

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Alternatively, you can also request your COVID-19 Vaccination from The Doctors, by visiting https://thedoctors.co.nz/request-covid-vaccine

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the symptoms of Covid-19?

    Symptoms can include one or more of the following:

    • a new or worsening cough
    • sneezing and runny nose
    • a fever
    • temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste
    • sore throat
    • shortness of breath
    • fatigue/feeling of tiredness.

    Less common symptoms may include:

    • diarrhoea
    • headache
    • muscle pain or body aches
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • malaise — a general feeling of discomfort, illness or unease
    • chest pain
    • abdominal pain
    • joint pain
    • confusion or irritability.
  • What are the treatment options for Covid-19?

    Most people with COVID-19 — especially if they are fully vaccinated and boosted — are likely to have a mild to moderate illness and will be fine to recover at home.

    Symptoms for COVID-19 tend to show 2 to 5 days after a person has been infected but can take up to 14 days. Omicron causes similar symptoms to other variants.

    If you have COVID-19 symptoms as well as have high-risk medical conditions or at an eligible age, you may be able to qualify for COVID-19 antiviral medicines nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (Paxlovid™) or molnupiravir (Lagevrio®).

  • How long do you have to isolate with COVID-19 in NZ?

    If you test positive for COVID-19, it is recommended you isolate forat least 5 days, even if you only have mild symptoms*

    (Source: https://info.health.nz/)

  • What are the Covid-19 vaccine side effects?

    It's normal to experience some mild side effects after getting your COVID-19 vaccine. This is a sign that your body is building protection against the virus. Most side effects are mild and go away within a few days.

    Common side effects include:

    • Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
    • Feeling tired or fatigued
    • Headache
    • Muscle aches or joint pains
    • Chills
    • Dizziness
    • Swollen lymph nodes
    • Nausea
    • Fever
    • Chest discomfort

    These side effects won't stop you from getting future doses or going about your daily life.

Book now at your nearest pharmacy