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COVID-19 vaccination

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COVID-19 vaccination in Waikato

Many Waikato vaccination sites are now taking walk-ins. The ability to vaccinate walk-ins will depend on bookings on the day, so to guarantee a slot book online at bookmyvaccine.nz or phone 0800 28 29 26.  

Booster doses

Free booster doses are now available to anyone aged 18 or older who received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago.

Healthcare and border workers are priority groups for booster vaccines, with large numbers having completed their vaccine course more than six months ago. This group is most at risk of coming into contact with COVID-19. We will also make sure older people and kaumātua, including people in residential care, have good access to booster doses as they become eligible.

Booster doses are not urgent. Two doses provides good protection, including after six months. The Pfizer vaccine is the primary vaccine being used in New Zealand for booster doses, even if you had a different vaccine for your earlier doses.

Find out more about booster doses.

AstraZeneca 

People aged 18 and older can now access the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at a small number of locations in the Waikato. AstraZeneca is for people who can’t have the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for medical reasons and for those who would like an option other than the Pfizer vaccine.

You will need to book in advance for your AstraZeneca vaccination, either on Book My Vaccine or by calling 0800 282 926. AstraZeneca is free and will be available at a limited number of sites across the country as Pfizer is the main COVID-19 vaccine we are using in New Zealand.

AstraZeneca is available at the following locations in the Waikato. Call 0800 282 926 if you can't get to one of these sites:

  • Hamilton Te Awa Vaccination Centre, Te Awa The Base, Level 1, Corner Te Rapa Road and Wairere Drive
  • Thames Vaccination Centre, Goldfields Shopping Centre, 100 Mary Road, Thames
  • Maniapoto Whanau Ora Centre, 23 Taupiri Street, Te Kuiti
  • Tokoroa Whare Rongoā Āraimate Vaccination Centre, 203 Leith Place, Tokoroa
  • Turangawaewae Marae (Ngāruawāhia) Community Vaccination Centre, 29 River Road, Ngāruawāhia

Find out more about AstraZeneca.

Vaccinations at Alert Level 2

COVID-19 vaccinations centres in the Waikato are currently operating under Alert Level 2 conditions. You'll need to keep two metres away from other people while you're waiting and moving around the vaccination centre. Please wear a face mask throughout the process.

Please don’t attend your appointment if you are unwell. Stay home and get advice on whether you need a COVID-19 test.

Key information

  • Everyone aged over 12 can now book their free vaccination.
  • Most vaccination sites are taking walk-ins if they have free slots.
  • Find out where to get vaccinated at Healthpoint.
  • Book online at BookMyVaccine.nz or by calling 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 8pm, 7 days). 
  • By getting vaccinated you’ll be protecting yourself and playing your part to protect New Zealand. It will save lives and help us to further open up the country. There will be some things you can't do if you haven't been vaccinated.
  • Advice for specific groups and those with health conditions
  • Please continue to be safe. Being vaccinated does not mean you stop practising COVID-19 health measures such as staying home if you are sick, washing or sanitising hands, wearing a mask on public transport, covering coughs and sneezes, using the COVID tracer app and Bluetooth, wiping down commonly used surfaces, and getting a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Members of the public can now get a My Vaccine Pass – for use in New Zealand – or an International Travel Vaccination Certificate through the My Covid Record website: www.mycovidrecord.health.nz.

For nationwide information, visit the official COVID-19 website.

 

When it is your turn for a vaccination, we will let you know and tell you how to make an appointment.

Talk to a health professional first if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • are receiving cancer treatment
  • have any other medical conditions or are taking other medicines.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get a test and stay at home until you get your results. You can be vaccinated once you have a negative test.

A healthcare worker will do a health check with you and give you some information.
You will have time to ask any questions.

Let your vaccinator know if you:

  • have had a severe or immediate allergic reaction to any vaccine or injection in the past
  • are taking blood-thinning medication
  • have a bleeding disorder.

When you are happy, you will be asked to sign the consent form. You will only be vaccinated if you agree. Then the healthcare worker will inject the vaccine into your arm. You’ll need to stay for 15 minutes after to check you’re okay and they may ask you about side effects.

Once the healthcare worker says you’re fine, you can leave and carry on with your day.

You're second dose of the vaccine will be booked for six weeks later. You get your best protection against COVID-19 after two doses of the vaccine.

The vaccine you are getting is called the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.The vaccine has a great safety record

The Pfizer vaccine is different to most traditional vaccines because it is a ‘messenger RNA’ vaccine (mRNA). These vaccines don’t use virus cells at all – instead they contain a piece of RNA code that teaches your body to recognise the virus. This means your body is ready to respond straight away if you get sick.

We know this vaccine is safe because it has gone through months of clinical testing with more than 40,000 people. Since then, millions of people around the world of all different ages, gender and ethnicities have received the vaccine with great results. From these studies, we know that the vaccine has a good safety record.

Months of clinical testing

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine will not give you COVID-19. There is no possibility it could affect your DNA/genes. The chance of you having a severe allergic reaction is very rare, but if you do our vaccinators have been trained to respond immediately and know exactly what to do.

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is currently the only vaccine approved for use in New Zealand. It was given MedSafe approval on 10 February for people 16 years or older. Two doses are needed, with at least 21 days between each dose. It's very important to get the second dose to provide the best protection against catching the virus.

As with any vaccine, you may experience side effects. It’s important to know that this does not mean that you have COVID-19. What this means is that your body is building up your protection to COVID-19.

If you are unsure about your symptoms or they get worse, talk to your family doctor or call Healthline 0800 358 5453.

What you may feel What can help When could this start
Pain at the injection site, headache and fatigue are the most commonly reported reactions. Place a cold, wet cloth or ice pack where the injection was given.
Leave it on for a short time.
Do not rub or massage the injection site.		 Within 6-24 hours.
Muscle aches, feeling generally unwell, chills, fever, joint pain and nausea may also occur (although this is mostly after the second dose).These symptoms may not be related to the vaccine and could be signs of an unrelated illness.
Seek medical advice if you are concerned.		 Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Seek advice from your health professional if your symptoms get worse.		 Within 6-48 hours.

Where to go for your vaccination

You can visit a range of places across the Waikato to get vaccinated. We want to make it as easy as possible for you and your whānau to protect yourselves. If you're waiting for COVID-19 test results and you are symptom-free, you can still be vaccinated. Our community and mobile vaccination sites are all taking drop-ins. 

Waikato COVID-19 Community Vaccination Centres

These are sites set up by Waikato DHB and our partners. They are open to everyone eligible for the vaccine. Walk-ins are now available at these centres, though there may be a wait. To reserve a slot for a time, date and place that suits, book online at www.BookMyVaccine.nz or phone 0800 28 29 26. Note that the Cambridge Vaccination Centre is now closed.

Hamilton Te Awa Vaccination Centre
Te Awa The Base, Level 1, Corner Te Rapa Road & Wairere Drive
Monday to Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday - 9am- 5pm
Thursday and Friday, 9am to 9pm

Matamata Vaccination Centre
St Johns Hall, 32 Rawhiti Avenue
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9am to 5pm
Tuesday, Thursday, 9am to 7pm
Saturday, 9am to 3pm

Morrinsville Vaccination Centre
Campbell Hall, Knox Presbyterian Church, 45-49 Canada Street
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 9am to 4pm
Thursday, 12pm to 7pm

Thames Vaccination Centre
Goldfields Shopping Centre, 100 Mary Road
Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 4.30pm

Te Awamutu Vaccination Centre
44 Arawata Street (Former Bunnings site)
Wednesday to Friday, 9am to 3.30pm

Tokoroa Whare Rongoā Āraimate Vaccination Centre
203 Leith Place
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 9am to 4pm
Thursday, 11am to 6pm

Tokoroa Whare Rongoā Āraimate Vaccination Centre (drive-through)
SWPICS, 1 Maraetai Road
Saturday, 10am to 3pm

GPs, pharmacies and other healthcare providers

You can also get your vaccination from some pharmacies and GP practices and from clinics run by our community healthcare partners. Vaccinations are free everywhere and at many sites now there's no need to book. The Healthpoint website has a list of all the vaccination providers across the region.

Frequently asked questions

Some people who are severely immunocompromised are now eligible to get a third primary dose, which is optional but recommended. This is different from a booster dose and you do not need to wait six months after your second dose.

Talk to your doctor if you think you may be in this group. There is more information on the Ministry of Health website.

You will be eligible for a booster dose six months after your additional (third) primary dose. 

Yes. Everyone will receive their vaccinations for free.

The vaccine is safe. The Pfizer vaccine has gone through months of rigorous clinical and scientific testing and assessments. The level of global collaboration in vaccine development has improved the speed of its development. The process is moving quickly but is not taking any short cuts or compromising safety.

Millions of people around the world of all different ages, gender and ethnicities have already received the vaccine with great results.

Everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand can be vaccinated if they are 12 years and older. If you have serious health conditions, please check with your family doctor first.

As with any vaccine, the Pfizer vaccine may not fully protect everyone who gets it. However, if you do catch COVID-19, two doses of the vaccine will give you a high degree of protection from serious illness. This means you could have no COVID-19 symptoms or will have fewer, much milder symptoms and will recover faster. You'll also be less likely to pass the virus on to other people.

Yes. However, if you currently have serious health issues from COVID-19, you may not be well enough to receive the vaccine. If you’re unsure, please check with your family doctor.

Booster doses are now available. Boosters are optional and anyone aged over 18 will be eligible six months after the date of their second dose. Pfizer is the primary vaccine for boosters.

Book for your booster at bookmyvaccine.nz or by calling 0800 28 29 26. The priority for walk-in appointments is people receiving their first or second dose. 

Children under 12 are not yet able to get the COVID-19 vaccine. You’ll need to wait until your child turns 12 to book a vaccine. Internationally, the Pfizer vaccine has been trialled in children aged 5 to 11 years. Use for this age group in New Zealand has not yet been approved. 

It is very important that older people and those with underlying health conditions get vaccinated because they are more at risk of the harmful effects of COVID-19 than other groups.

Most people who are immunocompromised, have cancer or other chronic illnesses can be vaccinated.

A very small group of people cannot be vaccinated, but your health conditions and medications will be reviewed before you receive your vaccine.

No. There is no virus been injected into your body; you cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. The vaccine boosts immune memory by strengthening it.

The Pfizer vaccine doesn't contain a live virus or any ingredients that are harmful to pregnant people or their babies. If you catch COVID-19 when you are pregnant, you are more likely to become very unwell so it's a good idea to get vaccinated.

The vaccine protects you as you are far less likely to fall seriously ill. It also protects your baby as there is evidence that babies can get antibodies through the placenta that help protect them from COVID-19.

Having the Pfizer vaccine will not affect your ability to get pregnant, now or in the future. There is more information about fertility and the Pfizer vaccine (also known as Comirnaty), including clinical studies, on this website. You can also find more information for pregnant women and new mums on the Pregnancy and Maternity section of our website.  

The vaccine is safe for women who are breast feeding. There have been no safety concerns identified in the clinical trials for women who are breast feeding who have received the vaccine.

Yes. Studies show that the Pfizer vaccine is currently 90 to 95 percent effective in those who get it. Evidence has shown that the Pfizer vaccine gives you protection against Delta and other variants. If there is a new variant found, this type of vaccine can be changed quickly to match a new variant strain.

It’s advised that if you are wanting to get the MMR vaccination before your Pfizer vaccination or after your second dose, that you allow 4 weeks.

For the flu vaccination, it’s 2 weeks.

If you wish to receive any other vaccinations after receiving your Pfizer vaccination, you will need to do so 2 weeks after your second dose. Please check with your family doctor or other health professional before any vaccination.

Yes. You’re fine to attend any large events dependent on national COVID-19 alert levels.

Link to BookMyVaccine

When can I book my vaccination?

Bookings are now open for everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand aged 12 and over. You don't need to wait for an invitation. 

Step 1: Be prepared

When you book, it’s a good idea to have your NHI (National Health Index) number handy. You don’t actually need it to book, but it will make the process quicker for you. You’ll find your NHI number on a prescription or prescription receipt, X-ray or test result, or a letter from the hospital.

Step 2: Make your booking

You don't need to wait for an invitation. Go to BookMyVaccine.nz to book your appointments.  If you’re unable to book online, you can ring the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 8pm, 7 days) and we’ll make the booking for you and answer any questions. Interpreters are available if you need them. You can book on behalf of other people so whānau can help out less tech-savvy members.

How soon your appointment is will depend on where you have booked. Our community vaccination centres across the Waikato can vaccinate large numbers so it may be quicker to book there than at another, more local site. 

To get as many people fully vaccinated as quickly as possible, the recommended time between first and second dose has dropped to three weeks again. It was increased to six weeks so more people could get their first dose. Now the Delta variant is in New Zealand, and with more community outbreaks, it's important we fully vaccinate more people faster. 

Step 3: Get your vaccination

We’ll send you a reminder the day before each appointment. It’s very important to get two doses of the vaccine – this will give you the best protection.

Other ways to get vaccinated

There are other ways for people to be vaccinated, including workplace vaccinations and vaccination events around the region. We are now running a mobile service and you won't need to book in - just turn up. Check our Mobile and Facebook events pages for places and dates. We'll add both as soon as these are confirmed. 

Many GPs are also providing COVID-19 vaccinations and are taking bookings directly. To find out if your GP is offering this service, visit healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19-vaccination/waikato/ or phone your GP’s office.

Everyone will have the opportunity to protect themselves, their whānau and our communities.

For more information, please visit the Unite Against Covid-19 website or the Karawhiua website.

Videos

Fact sheets

[PDF, 143 KB]

Getting your COVID-19 vaccination
Information about what to expect from your vaccination.
[PDF, 138 KB]

The Pfizer vaccine
How the vaccine works and where to go for more information about its development.

External resources