Covid Updates
Updated in September 2024:
COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters- Comirnaty 30mcg XBB.1.5 grey cap
Please Click here for more information about COVID-19 Vaccines.
Everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand over the age of 12 years who is not yet vaccinated can receive a single dose of the monovalent Comirnaty Omicron 30mcg XBB.1.5 grey cap vaccine, whether they are eligible for funded health and disability services or not.
The interval recommended from prior COVID-19 infection or vaccination is six months, as we know that protection against severe disease persists for at least six months. Having a dose earlier has limited benefits. Note that the eligibility criteria have not changed.
As a reminder, additional COVID-19 doses are available for those:
• Aged 12-29 and at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19
• Pregnant
• Aged 30 and over
Comirnaty 10mcg XBB.1.5 blue cap is available for 5 to 11-year-olds. Please contact us to discuss this further.
Comirnaty 3mcg XBB.1.5 maroon cap is available for eligible infants and children aged 6 months to 4 years. Please contact us to discuss this further.
Flu Vaccines are still available – phone to book, or book via Manage My Health or ask for a flu shot when you are in the clinicA
What to do if you test positive for Covid-19
Start your recommended 5 day isolation period
If you test positive for COVID-19, it is recommended you isolate for at least 5 days, even if you only have mild symptoms. This is to prevent spreading COVID-19 to other people. You would start your isolation at Day 0 — this is the day your symptoms started or when you tested positive, whichever came first.
Isolation means not leaving your house and not going to work or school. It also means staying away from others in your household as much as possible.
Get COVID-19 antiviral medicines
Some people who are at a very high risk of developing serious illness, and who have tested positive, are eligible for funded antivirals to treat COVID-19. You may also be eligible if you have symptoms and have had close contact with someone who has tested positive. Please contact us on 09 538 0083 to discuss if you would be eligible.
Remember the vast majority of Covid-19 is mild and can be well managed at home by following the info in the links below.
Covid-19 Positive – What symptoms can I expect?
Covid-19 Positive – When to get help
Covid-19 Positive – How to manage your symptoms
Positions to make your breathing easier
Physical activity and exercise after Covid-19
Covid-19 apps to support your mental health and wellbeing
When our clinic is closed you can call the Covid-19 Healthline 0800 358 5453 or dial 111 for an ambulance.
Vaccine Exemptions
Vaccine Exemptions are not issued by GPs. Click here to be redirected to the Ministry of Health website for advice on the process. If you meet the clinical criteria, your GP will complete a form for you, and you email this form to the Director-General of Health as part of your application for a temporary exemption. Note that there are very few people who are eligible as there are very tight criteria.
