The transition to the updated vaccine for the XBB.1.5 strain took place yesterday after its approval was announced in a statement by Pharmac and Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand last month.
‘‘The XBB vaccine is more effective against more recent subvariants of Covid-19 in New Zealand," the statement said.
The XXB vaccine was funded for all those aged 30 and older, as well as those aged 16 or older who were pregnant and those aged 12 and over who were at a higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19.
Covid-19 was not a seasonal illness — there had been a rise in cases over the summer and the new vaccine was timely.
"If you’re eligible, you can get a vaccination if it’s been at least six months since your last Covid-19 vaccine or if you have never had one before. It’s recommended to wait until six months since your last Covid-19 infection.
"The XBB vaccine is especially recommended for those who are more likely to get seriously unwell if they get Covid-19."
This included Māori and Pacific people aged 50 and older, everyone aged 65 or older and people who were severely immunocompromised.
People who had had the previous Covid-19 vaccination were still expected to have protection against severe disease from recent Omicron subvariants.
