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People over the age of 50, people who work in healthcare and immunocompromised people are now eligible for their second booster. (File photo)
Boosters are an addition to your immune system. as the second Omicron wave gains speedthose most at risk of really getting sick from Covid-19 will be prioritized for their second booster dose.
When Covid-19 Response Minister Dr. Ayesha Verrall announced that the government roll out additional measures to tackle the second Omicron wave on Thursday, she also encouraged those who could get it.
Are you eligible?
READ MORE:
† US authorities are expected to authorize a second coronavirus booster for 50 years and older
† Covid-19: Medsafe decides on booster dose for 16 to 17 year olds in the coming weeks
† Another Covid-19 case in South Canterbury
Who can get a second booster?
- People 50 years and older
- Healthcare workers, aged care and disabled people over 30 years old
- Severely immunocompromised people who received a base course of three doses and a fourth dose as their first booster – this will be their fifth dose
- People aged 16 and over with a medical condition that increases the risk of serious illness from Covid-19
- People aged 16 and over living with disabilities with significant or complex health needs or multiple co-morbidities
see a breakdown of eligible medical conditions here†
For all groups, it should be six months since your last booster and three months since you tested positive for Covid-19, if you’ve had it.
A second booster is not yet available for younger people who are generally healthy and have no underlying health conditions, even pregnant women.
Have these rules changed in today’s announcement?
No. The changes announced today had to do with masks, RATs and antiviral drugs†
The above criteria for second boosters were announced on June 28.
Tom Lee / Stuff
You can get your second booster from the same place you got your first, at drive-through or drop-in centers. (File photo)
Why do I need another dose?
After a few months, the vaccine’s protection begins to wear off. Omicron is more virulent — that is, more contagious — than Delta, so an extra shot boosts your immunity.
Winter means an increase in other diseases in the community – the current flu outbreak has put additional strain on the country’s health system, according to medical director of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and Porirua GP, Byran Betty.
The fewer people who become seriously ill from Covid-19, the more space there will be in the already busy hospitals for those who need it.
Where do I get one?
The second booster shot is available over the counter in several places, including walk-in and drive-through vaccination centers.
Book online with BookMyVaccine or by calling the Covid-19 Vaccination Health Line on 0800 28 29 26.