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.