COVID-19 vaccine booster

Also called booster shot

Anyone who is eligible to get their booster dose of the COVID vaccine is urged to get it. Boosters lower your chances of getting very sick from COVID-19 and ending up in hospital.

  • From 1 March 2023, a new vaccine will be used for booster doses. A bivalent vaccine will replace the existing Pfizer booster.

  • From 1 April anyone aged 30 years and over and people at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, can receive an additional booster, if it has been at least 6 months since their last COVID-19 booster or positive COVID-19 test.

On this page, you can find the following information:

What is a COVID-19 vaccine booster?

A COVID booster dose is an additional dose or doses of a vaccine given after the protection provided by the primary vaccination course.

  • Booster doses are given to “boost” the immune response to previous antibody levels.
  • Booster doses are necessary because protection from the primary course of the vaccine decreases over time.
  • Staying up to date with your vaccinations keeps your immunity levels high. This will lower your chances of getting very sick from COVID-19 and ending up in hospital.

In Aotearoa New Zealand a first booster dose is recommended for anyone 16 years and older. A second or additional booster dose is recommended for anyone 30 years and older OR those at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. 

A new bivalent booster vaccine is available from March 2023

A new bivalent booster vaccine will replace the existing Pfizer booster and is considered likely to be more effective against Omicron subvariants. Bivalent vaccines work by combining 2 strains of a virus, which prompts the body to create antibodies against both strains, providing a greater level of protection.

Note: If you are eligible and do not want to get the bivalent vaccine for your booster dose, you can ask for the original Pfizer vaccine when you arrive for your vaccination.

When should I get my booster dose?

First booster

In Aotearoa New Zealand a first booster dose is recommended for anyone 16 years and older. The timing of the booster depends on your age:

  • People 18 years and older: 
  • You can get your booster dose with the new bivalent booster 3 months after completing your primary course or a Novavax booster 6 months after your last dose.
  • 16 and 17 year olds: You can get your booster dose 6 months after completing your primary course.

Second or additional boosters

In preparation for the upcoming winter season as part of the Government’s plan to keep Kiwis safe and take pressure off our health system, from 1 April 2023, a second or additional booster dose will be available to:

  • anyone 30 years and older
  • people at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 (see table below). 

This booster is available regardless of how many boosters you have had previously, as long as it has been at least 6 months since their last COVID-19 booster or positive COVID-19 test.

People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19
  • Māori and Pasifika aged 40 years and over and others aged over 50 years.
  • Severely immunocompromised people who received a 3-dose primary course and a fourth dose as a first booster (this would be a fifth dose for these people).
  • Residents of aged care and disability care facilities.
  • People aged 16 years and over with a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness.
  • People aged 16 years and over who live with disability and have major or complex health needs or multiple comorbidities.
  • Health, aged care and disability workers aged over 30 years.

Learn more about clinical criteria in support of second booster eligibility.

You can check your eligibility to receive your booster dose by calling COVID vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 between 8am and 8pm any day of the week.

Note:  If you are not eligible for a second or additional booster

People aged 16 to 29 are not eligible to get an additional booster if you are not considered at risk of severe illness from COVID-19. A 2-dose primary course and a booster dose gives very good protection against severe illness from COVID-19, hospitalisation or death.

Where can I get my COVID-19 vaccine booster?

You can get a booster dose the same way you got your previous COVID-19 vaccinations – including walk-in sites and drive-throughs.

You can book an appointment for a booster through Book My Vaccine or by calling the COVID vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week). 

Should I get a booster if I have already had COVID?

Yes, it is recommended that you get your booster shot, even if you have had COVID. A booster can provide a stronger immunity response than the natural immunity from a COVID-19 infection. 

If you have had COVID-19, you should wait 3 months after testing positive before getting any COVID-19 vaccination.

Are boosters available for rangatahi aged under 16?

People under the age of 16 are not eligible for a booster. However, you can discuss specific clinical circumstances with your doctor or healthcare provider.

As with all medicines, vaccines can be used outside of Medsafe approval (this is called 'off label') if they are prescribed by an authorised prescriber. Your doctor can decide whether to provide a prescription after a conversation about the benefits and risks.

Should I get a booster if I am pregnant?

Yes, if you are pregnant it is recommended you receive a booster of the Pfizer vaccine to help protect you and your baby against the effects of COVID-19. The booster can be given at any stage of pregnancy, at least 3 months after your second dose. Discuss the timing of a booster with your midwife, obstetrician or doctor. Read more about COVID-19 and pregnancy.

What are the side effects of the booster dose?

Side effects of booster doses are like those from primary vaccine doses. These include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, nausea and feeling tired or fatigued. 

Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product.

Learn more

COVID-19 vaccine boosters Ministry of Health, NZ
My Covid Record guide available in a number of languages, Unite Against COVID-19, NZ

Credits: Sandra Ponen, Pharmacist.