New Covid vaccine now available in NZ - Here's what you need to know

Many New Zealanders can access an updated Covid-19 vaccine from today.

The Covid vaccines have been evolving over the years as the virus itself evolves. The XBB vaccine that’s available from today has been updated to tackle newer strains of Covid-19.

Pharmac approved the vaccine for use in Aotearoa late last year, saying it was more effective against more recent subvariants of the virus.

Who can get the XBB vaccine?

The vaccine is currently funded for:

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora recommends those who are more likely to get seriously unwell with the virus get the new booster.

This includes:

When should people get the new booster?

Those who are eligible for the updated jab can get it if they have never had a Covid vaccine before or if it’s been at least six months since their last Covid vaccine or Covid-19 infection.

Health NZ Te Whatu Ora said people who have had previous Covid vaccines are still expected to have protection against severe disease from recent subvariants of the virus.

Will this be the last free Covid jab?

Covid-19 vaccines have always been free but the funding for them is due to end on June 30.

Health Minister Shane Reti is yet to confirm if this funding will be renewed.

What about RATs? Are they still free?

Yes – for now.

Free rapid antigen tests (RATs) will be available from certain pharmacies and collection sites until June 30. Some locations also have free masks available.

It’s still recommended that people use a RAT if they have cold or flu symptoms – and then report the result and isolate for five days if the test is positive.

While we’re here, what about the flu jab this year?

With summer officially behind us, attention has turned to the annual flu jab, too.

This year’s influenza vaccine will be available from early April.

Around one million New Zealanders will be eligible to get the 2024 flu jab for free, however the criteria for funded flu shots will not be as wide as it was last year.

This year, the vaccine will be free for everyone aged 65 or older, people with certain conditions like diabetes and asthma, pregnant people, and people with specific mental health conditions or addiction issues.

All children aged up to 12 and all Māori and Pacific people aged between 55 and 64 were able to get a free flu jab last year, however, Pharmac said the funding for that has ended, so those groups won’t be eligible for the free shot this year.