COVID booster age change will improve outcomes for most at risk of serious illness

Today’s announcement to lower the eligibility age for Māori and Pasifika to receive a second COVID-19 booster has been welcomed by The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, and its Māori representative group, Te Akoranga a Māui.

Dr Rachel Mackie (Ngātiwai), Chair of Te Akoranga a Māui says, “New Zealand data highlights the risk of death from COVID-19 as being two times higher for Māori and Pasifika over the age of 40, with hospitalisation rates two-three times more likely, making this age group more likely to benefit from a second booster. When we have data like this, it is essential that we keep working to reduce COVID vaccination inequities.”

“This announcement is a step in the right direction to addressing the inequities within our health system,” she says.

The change in eligibility age comes into effect on Friday 18 November, and the College encourages all New Zealanders to stay up to date with their recommended vaccinations to protect themselves against the virus.

Dr Bryan Betty, the College’s Medical Director echoes Dr Mackie’s comments, saying, “The College has been supporting calls for priority vaccines for Māori and Pasifika communities throughout the pandemic.

“COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities, and it will continue to for the foreseeable future. This broader access to booster shots will help support higher vaccination rates among Māori and Pasifika communities.

“GPs, rural hospital doctors and community health providers right across the country continue to be at the frontline of the COVID-19 response and doing everything they can to ensure their communities are as safe as possible.”

Check your eligibility at Covid19.govt.nz or call 0800 28 29 26.