A new vaccine to combat the newer strains of Covid-19 will be available to New Zealanders from next month.
Pharmac approved the transition to the updated Covid-19 vaccine for the XBB.1.5 strain to be used in the country from its day of release.
Pharmac director of pharmaceuticals Geraldine MacGibbon said they are "pleased to have it available for all New Zealanders".
"The XBB vaccine is more effective against more recent subvariants of Covid-19 in New Zealand."
"We're not making any changes to who can access the COVID-19 vaccine at this time. If we were to consider changes to the eligibility criteria, we'd consult publicly to ensure feedback from the healthcare sector and the community is considered before making a decision," MacGibbon explained.
Health NZ National Public Health Service prevention director Alana Ewe-Snow said that Covid-19 is not a seasonal illness, and the country has had a rise in cases over the summer.
"It's timely that the updated vaccine will be available from early March.
"If you're eligible, you can get a vaccination if it's been at least six months since your last Covid-19 vaccine or if you have never had one before. It's recommended that you wait at least six months since your last Covid-19 infection."
Ewe-Snow said: "The XBB vaccine is especially recommended for those who are more likely to get seriously unwell if they get Covid-19."
The XBB vaccine will be available for the following groups:
- Everyone aged 30 years and over.
- People aged 16-29 who are pregnant.
- People aged 12-29 at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
It is especially recommended for:
- People aged 65 years and older
- Māori and Pacific people aged 50 and older
- Residents of aged care facilities
- Severely immunocompromised people aged 12 years and older who have a medical condition that increases the risk of severe illness from Covid-19.
The XXB Covid-19 vaccine will be available to all New Zealanders from March 7.
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