December 23rd, 2021

Kia ora koutou,

The government has announced bringing forward COVID-19 boosters from 6 months to 4 months after the completion of a primary course dose. This is in line with current evidence showing booster doses substantially raise vaccine effectiveness to approximately 80% against Omicron (and over 90% for Delta).

Changes to the COVID Immunisation Register (CIR)
To support consumers to receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in New Zealand, an update has been made in the COVID Immunisation Register (CIR) to decrease the standard gap between the completion of a primary course and receiving a booster dose from 6 months to 4 months.

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This means, where at least 4 months has passed since a consumer received the last dose of their primary course vaccination, they will be able to receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccination.
The Early Booster Vaccination Warning message will display if a booster dose is attempted to be recorded in the CIR, where it has not been at least 4 months since the consumer received the last dose of their primary course vaccination.
Please note: Book My Vaccine is not being updated until 17 January 2022 to reflect these changes at this time i.e. the existing standard interval between the completion of a primary course and receiving a booster dose remains at 6 months. This means, where 6 months (183 days) has not passed since a consumer has received the final dose of their primary course, they will not be able to book an appointment for a booster dose vaccination. They will need to go to a walk-in vaccination site. Book my Vaccine will be updated on 17 January 2022.

Helpdesk:
Please direct any questions or support requirements you have to
help@C-19imms.min.health.nz or call the team on 0800 223 987.

• These channels are currently monitored 8am – 8pm, Monday – Sunday.
• If contacting via email (recommended), please provide a detailed description of the issue including:
  • What your issue relates to e.g. CIR
  • Your full name
  • Your mobile number so the resolver can contact you to resolve the issue

​Thank you for your ongoing commitment in combatting COVID-19.
Ngā mihi nui,

COVID Vaccine and Immunisation Programme

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