Kia ora koutou katoa.

The Ministry of Education have asked us to share this letter regarding booster vaccinations with our community.

‘The Big Boost’ is happening during February, and everyone in Aotearoa is being asked to get their boosters as soon as they are due.

To make it easy, pop-up vaccination centres and extended opening hours are open for you to get your booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

Evidence has shown that the Pfizer vaccine provides a higher level of protection against severe disease or hospitalisation from the Omicron variant, than the two-dose course. Being fully vaccinated with two doses provides greater protection against Delta, however the booster is the best way to fight Omicron.

If you want to know more about the booster – you can get the facts about COVID-19 vaccinations.

Who can have a booster?

Anyone in your whānau over the age of 18 and has had their second dose at least three months ago.

You can check when you are due for a booster by visiting mycovidrecord.nz or calling the Covid Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 (8am-8pm, seven days a week).

You can book your booster at BookMyVaccine.nz or for whānau bookings call 0800 28 29 26

Vaccinations for Children – Information from the Southern District Health Board

As you will be aware we are currently rolling out the 5-11 year old COVID-19 immunisations. This is an action to keep tamariki, their whānau and community safe from COVID-19 by reducing the spread. The Pfizer paediatric dose is a lower dose and smaller volume than adults, and to be fully covered tamariki will need 2 doses at least 8 weeks apart.

5-11 Vaccination Providers

Providers in the Southern District that are delivering 5-11 year old COVID-19 immunisations can be found here. These are being updated constantly so what is listed here for your area may soon expand.

Information about 5-11 year old vaccinations

If you have any questions about 5-11 year old immunisations, please check out the Ministry of Health website here for any information/guidance, and this brochure that contains a summary of key information.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Pauline Simpson