From Friday 18 November, Pacific and Maori peoples aged 40-49 will be eligible for a second COVID-19 booster to provide additional protection from the virus.
Deputy-Director General and head of the Public Health Agency Dr. Andrew Old made the announcement this afternoon. The decision made to expand the second booster eligibility follows a recommendation from the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Technical Advisory Group that lowering the eligible age to 40 years will help address health inequity.
According to recent data, Pacific and Maori remain at higher risk of severe outcomes from the virus. First and second
First and second booster vaccines are available through walk-in and booked appointments at Pacific and Maori providers, pharmacies, general practice and other locations across the country.
It is expected that 63 thousand people will immediately become eligible for the second booster. Appointments can be booked at BookMyVaccine or call the COVID-19 vaccination healthline on 0800 28 29 26.
