Kia ora!

Here you’ll find information on where to get your vaccinations for Waitaha Canterbury and Te Tai Poutini West Coast

Resources/Downloads

Getting your vaccination

An overview of the Pfizer vaccination, things to consider before getting your vaccination, and what will happen after your vaccination.

Your COVID-19 vaccination

A summary pamphlet about the COVID-19 vaccine, the health information you need to share, and how the vaccine works.

Getting your vaccination - Easy to read version

Easy to read information on getting a vaccination and what to expect after your vaccination.

Te Rongoā Ārai Mate Korona - The COVID-19 vaccine

Information about COVID-19 vaccinations for people living in Waitaha, Te Tai Poutini and Rēkohu.

Vaccine advice for people with disabilities and their whanau

Easy to understand information to help prepare for your COVID-19 vaccinations.

COVID-19 vaccinations at home in Canterbury

Home visits are available for people who experience significant barriers to getting vaccinated at clinics.

Important information for Pacific communities in Canterbury

Easy to understand information to help prepare for your COVID-19 vaccinations.

Pacific health provider contact information

For support on your vaccination journey talk to your Pacific health providers.

Transport options to get to your vaccination appointment

If you can’t drive to your COVID-19 vaccination appointment, here are some options…

FAQs

Having two doses of the vaccine will give you a high degree of protection against COVID-19. Being vaccinated reduces your risk of getting very unwell and getting hospitalised if you do get the virus. You are also less likely to spread the virus to your family/whānau, children/tamariki and other people, if you are vaccinated.

The vaccine works by teaching your immune system to recognise and fight off the virus. It doesn’t have the virus in it, or anything that can affect your DNA. The vaccine can’t give you the disease.

Getting vaccinated means you are far less likely to get really sick and have to go to hospital if you catch COVID-19. You are also less likely to pass COVID-19 on to your family/whānau, children/tamariki, and other people.

Studies show that 95% of people who have received 2 doses of the vaccine are protected against getting COVID-19 symptoms.

You can get the COVID-19 vaccine at any stage of your pregnancy. People can become very sick if they get COVID-19 while pregnant. Getting vaccinated will minimise the risks of getting very unwell and may also help protect your baby.

There are no current safety concerns identified for women who are breastfeeding. You do not need to stop breastfeeding to receive the vaccine.

If you are having issues using the online booking system, try using the Google Chrome web browser, or try using the latest version of your current web browser.

Ensure you enter your booking code if you are provided with one in the ‘Access or voucher code' section, which you’ll find on the second page of the booking site.

If you continue having problems booking online, you can email CANVAX@cdhb.health.nz for help or call 0800 28 29 26.

The online booking system only shows clinics within a 75km radius of the post code that you enter – it’s easier to enter your town of residence, for example, ‘Christchurch’, to find a clinic near you.

Our current clinic list available for online bookings can be found on our clinics page.

You can cancel or reschedule your appointment at this link: https://book.vaccine.covid19.health.nz/manage

Enter your email address OR your phone number and booking reference number.

Click ‘reschedule’ or ‘cancel’ beside the appointment you would like to reschedule or cancel.

We have organised vaccination days and times at suitable locations for people with disability, impairment or long-term health condition. These days and times are specifically set up to be relaxed, welcoming, easy and have extra support in place to be accessible.

You can find more information here

The vaccination is for everyone aged 12 and over, regardless of visa or citizenship status.

The vaccination is free and voluntary.

When parents or guardians book their COVID-19 vaccine, they can also book in a vaccination for any 12–15-year olds in their whānau.

We cannot accommodate anyone without a booking. 

Bookings can be made by visiting www.BookMyVaccine.nz or by calling 0800 28 29 26 (8am-8pm, 7 days a week).

Yes, everyone in New Zealand can get free COVID-19 vaccinations regardless of citizenship or visa status. 

Yes, you can get vaccinated. Having a health number (National Health Index or NHI) is not a requirement for booking or getting vaccinated.

New Zealand has secured enough doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine (Comirnaty) to vaccinate everyone in the country.

The Pfizer vaccine will not give you COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine works by triggering your immune system to produce antibodies and blood cells that work against the COVID-19 virus.

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is an important step you can take to protect yourself from the effects of the virus.

You’ll need two doses, at least three weeks apart. To ensure you have the best protection, make sure you get both doses of the vaccine.

Pfizer is given as an injection into the muscle of your upper arm.

You’ll need two doses. The second dose is given at least three weeks later. It’s very important you get your second dose, you have your best protection once you have both doses.

Staff will observe you for at least 20 minutes after your injection.

No. The Pfizer vaccine is the only one currently being administered in Aotearoa/New Zealand and enough of this vaccine is on order to provide two doses for everyone.

You may be able to get a vaccine from your General Practice or pharmacy team or other health provider, or at a community or pop-up clinic.

A full list of available clinics can be found on our Clinics page. 

We’re rolling out vaccinations to more remote and rural locations so people can be vaccinated close to where they live and work.

A full list of clinic locations is available on our Clinics page. 

COVID-19 vaccination is free and voluntary. However, we strongly encourage everyone who is eligible for a vaccination to get one – getting vaccinated is the best way to protect you, your kaumātua and whanau, and your community. The more people who are vaccinated, the safer our community will be.

  • If you’re pregnant, we encourage you to get a COVID-19 vaccine at any stage of your pregnancy.
  • This is because people who are pregnant can become very sick if they get COVID-19 infection.
  • Evidence from the large number of pregnant people who have already been vaccinated globally, indicates that there are no safety concerns with administering COVID-19 vaccines at any stage of pregnancy.
  • Vaccinating during pregnancy may also be helpful for the baby, as there is evidence of antibody transfer in cord blood and breast milk, which may offer protection to infants through passive immunity.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with your healthcare professional.

Studies show that about 95% of people who have received both doses of the vaccine are protected against getting COVID-19 symptoms. This means that once you are fully vaccinated, you are far less likely to fall seriously ill and less likely to transmit the virus to others.

It is still possible for some people who have been vaccinated (approximately 1 in 10) to transmit the virus to someone else.

The vaccine appears to provide substantial protection against virus transmission, however, it is possible for some people who have been vaccinated (approximately 1 in 10) to transmit the virus to someone else. Maintaining good hygiene practices, staying at home if you are sick and getting tested if required are as important as ever.

Once you’ve been vaccinated, continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Thoroughly wash and dry your hands. Cough or sneeze into your elbow and stay home if you feel unwell. This will help you protect yourself, your whānau and others.

Continue using the COVID tracer app, turn on your phone’s Bluetooth function, and you may wish to wear a face covering or mask.

Like all medicines, COVID-19 vaccines may cause side effects in some people. This is the body’s normal response and shows the vaccine is working.

Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine (Comirnaty) 

The most common reported reactions are:

  • pain at the injection site
  • a headache
  • feeling tired or fatigued
  • muscle aches
  • feeling generally unwell
  • chills
  • fever
  • joint pain
  • nausea.

These are usually mild and won't stop you from having the second dose or going about your daily life.

Learn more about who can have the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and what it contains

COVID-19 vaccines used in New Zealand must comply with international and local standards for quality, safety and effectiveness.

Like all medicines, COVID-19 vaccines may cause side effects in some people. This is the body’s normal response and shows the vaccine is working.

If you have an unexpected reaction to your COVID-19 vaccination, your vaccinator or health professional should report it to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM).

You can also report any unexpected reactions by using their online reporting form on the CARM website: otago.ac.nz/carm

If you are unsure about your symptoms or they get worse, talk to your GP or call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

If you have an immediate concern about your safety, call 111 and make sure you tell them you’ve had a COVID-19 vaccination so that they can assess you properly.

Cumulative vaccinations by DHB of residence

Tuesday 30 June 2022 at 23:59

Canterbury

512,794

First dose

494,115

Second dose

West Coast

27,019

First dose

26,011

Second dose

332,285

Boosted

16,849

Boosted

* Vaccination information is updated weekly based on the MoH Cumulative vaccinations by DHB of residence data published on www.health.govt.nz

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics in Canterbury

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics on the West Coast