The government is asking people to get a booster jab amid an increase in New Zealand and US COVID-19 cases.
Former UK Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel is answering questions in a COVID-19 inquiry.
A disciplinary tribunal found the Auckland nurse guilty of professional misconduct.
The expansion of the eligibility criteria reflects feedback given in Pharmac's consultation period.
Covid infections are putting people at higher risk of diabetes, strokes, heart disease and other long-term illnesses.
BA.2.86 may be more capable of causing infection in people who previously had COVID-19 or were vaccinated with previous shots.
All COVID-19 restrictions in Aotearoa New Zealand ended on Tuesday, including the requirement for positive cases to self-isolate.
The seven-day rolling average of cases is 2738.
The Labour Party has blocked attempts for an independent inquiry into the Government's COVID-19 economic response for several months.
