How to book your COVID-19 vaccine booster and check when you're due now Govt has reduced interval period

Following the Government's announcement the time gap for the booster shot has been reduced to three months after the second dose, you might be wondering how you can check if you're now eligible. 

The Government announced on Wednesday that the interval between a person's second dose and the booster shot will come down from four months to three from this Friday. 

This will see a million more New Zealanders over the age of 18 become eligible for their booster. 

The Prime Minister said the reason for the two-day delay before the change comes into effect is because it takes time to get systems in place and the decision was only made at a political level today.

So how can you check if you're eligible for the booster jab? Do you need to book or can you just walk in? 

To find out if you're eligible for the booster, you need to know when you had your second dose of the COVID vaccine. 

The easiest way to check this is by logging into My COVID Record to view your vaccination history. 

To book an appointment, once you've logged in, click 'Book a COVID-19 vaccination'. Once you've filled in your information, it will show you a list of vaccination centres near you and a calendar with available appointment slots.

From Friday, it will take into account the reduction in the wait time for booster shots and you will be able to book one for three months after your second jab.

How to get your booster

Just like with your first and second dose of the COVID vaccine, there is no need to book if you would prefer to just walk in. If you visit the COVID-19 website you can find the nearest walk-in vaccination centre to you. 

If you would like a bit more certainty, you're able to book online at Book My Vaccine or you can make a booking over the phone. 

The ministry said that when you arrive for your booster, the date of your last vaccination will be checked in the COVID Immunisation Register (CIR) to make sure you're eligible. 

COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said that the announcement on Wednesday for the shortened booster interval only applies to the Pfizer vaccine. Separate advice on AstraZeneca vaccine will be provided later in February.