Our immunity against COVID-19 is incredibly important and getting vaccinated is the best way to protect you, your whānau and your community. The vaccine is free and there’s enough vaccine for everyone. To make the vaccination process flow smoothly, we’re rolling out in age bands.
Everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand will be able to get the vaccine. With such a large group of people, to make the process flow smoothly, we’re breaking it down into age bands. We’re starting with the oldest and working our way down to the youngest. Remember, once you’re eligible to be vaccinated, you can book at any time. There’s no cut off and there’s enough vaccine for everyone.
Step 1: Receiving an invitation
When you’re eligible, you’ll receive a letter from Book My Vaccine inviting you to book at BookMyVaccine.nz. We’ll follow up with an email and text.
Step 2: Make your booking
Once you’re received your invitation or when your age band is open, go to BookMyVaccine.nz to book your appointments. If you’re unable to book online, you can ring the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 8pm, 7 days) and we’ll make the booking for you and answer any questions. Interpreters are available if you need them.
You can expect to wait for around six to eight weeks from the time you make your booking until your first vaccination. Depending on where and when you’d like to be vaccinated you might find an appointment earlier.
You’ll need to leave at least 21 days between your first and second dose.
We’ll send you a reminder the day before each appointment. It’s very important to get two doses of
the vaccine – this will give you the best protection.
When you book, it’s a good idea to have your NHI (National Health Index) number handy. You don’t
need it to book but it will make the process quicker for you. You’ll find your NHI number on a prescription or prescription receipt, x-ray or test result, or a letter from the hospital.
There are other ways for people to be vaccinated, including workplace vaccinations and other vaccination events around the country. In many remote rural communities, we will vaccinate all age groups at the same time.
Many GPs are also providing COVID-19 vaccinations and are taking bookings directly. To find out if your GP is offering this service visit healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19-vaccination
It is completely FREE if you say you’re just needing a test. If your family doctor is busy, they will recommend another family doctor that can test you.
You can also visit a designated GP clinic to get tested. You don’t need to be enrolled to get tested at these clinics.
Another option is to visit an Urgent Care Clinic -some of these are opened 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Your final option is to visit a Community Testing Centre (CTCs).
If you are unsure about whether you need a test, call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or your GP. Please be aware that COVID-19 testing is not available at our hospitals.
Remember: be calm, be kind and be patient.
Our health authorities are working quickly to trace everyone who has been in close and casual contact with the positive cases. If this is you, they will contact you and advise you on next steps.
If you are in Auckland and have any cold or flu-like symptoms, you should get a COVID-19 test. You can get a free test at:
If you are unsure if you should get a test, call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
There are a number of simple but effective ways you can keep your family safe. These include:
You can find more information on keeping safe on the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) and Unite Agains COVID-19 websites.
There are two types of masks available – non-medical masks and medical masks.
Most people can use non-medical-grade masks. These masks prevent the wearer from spreading diseases to others and could help protect the wearer from becoming infected.
Non-medical-grade masks can be either single-use or reusable.
You can buy non-medical-grade masks online or in shops like pharmacies, supermarkets and hardware stores.
You can make your own masks. Find out how at cdc.gov.
At Alert Level 2 and higher, people at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should use medical-grade masks to help prevent infection.
When you wear a face mask, it's important you use it safely.
Never share face masks with other people. Face masks should not be worn by:
For more information on how to put on a face mask safely, what to remember while wearing a mask and how to take it off safely, please visit the Unite Against COVID-19 website.
Yes. Staying healthy is important so you should continue to seek healthcare during Alert Level 3. During Alert Level 3, healthcare services, such as Healthline, GPs, cancer services, disability and aged support services remain open.
Some planned care, including elective surgery and radiology, will be provided. Some non-urgent services or treatment may be deferred.
If you have received a medical appointment you should attend.
If you are concerned about any aspect of your health, call your GP.
As always, if you require urgent medical advice, call 111.
It’s normal to feel anxious and stressed during times of uncertainty. The COVID-19 website has plenty of advice on looking after your mental wellbeing.
If you need support with anxiety, distress or mental wellbeing, you can call or text 1737 to talk with a trained counsellor for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can talk to counsellors in languages other than English.
You can also contact the Asian Family Services. They are a nationwide mental health and addiction service that provides free and confidential support in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai and Hindi. Phone 0800 862 342 from 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. For further information, visit the Asian Family Services website.
Health authorities are using genome testing as part of their work in finding the source of the infection. By using genome testing, scientists can compare different strains of COVID-19 and find out.
For more information about COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), please refer to the following websites:
