Epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker says when officials sign off for Kiwis to get a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine it'll only be for those at high risk.
Israel and Germany are already offering the fourth jab to adults, and the United Kingdom is targeting those over 75.
On Monday, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said a decision on Kiwis getting the fourth dose has not yet been made.
Prof Baker said with money put aside in Budget 2022 for the fourth dose, a decision is likely to come out before winter.
He told The Project like in Australia, the fourth dose will only be made available to those who are at high risk.
"The real problem at the moment in New Zealand is much more around the fact that a third of adults who are eligible haven't had their booster at all."
He said it's known with Omicron three doses are important to give protection.
"Two is okay for Delta, it's not okay, it's not enough for Omicron."
Prof Baker added Aotearoa has a "huge" vaccine gap in children.
"With children aged five to 11, only 55 percent of them have been vaccinated with one dose and only 25 percent with two doses."
When asked if Prof Baker would get his fourth COVID-19 jab if it was available, Baker said no.
"I don't think I would, I would hold off. I've avoided COVID so far, but when you've got school-aged children there's that risk that they are going to bring the virus home."
He added Aotearoa isn't handling COVID-19 in schools well at the moment.
Watch the full interview above.
