With eight years’ experience at Counties Manukau Health and previous international experience in Canada, Dr Hari Talreja cares for patients with kidney disease and renal transplantation – which puts them at a higher risk of developing complications from Covid-19. He has been a strong advocate for his patients to get vaccinated and is now encouraging people over 18 years old to get their booster dose if it’s been at least three months since their second dose.
He has responded to questions below with the support of the Northern Region Health Co-ordination Centre (NRHCC), which is running Auckland’s vaccination programme.
Omicron is with us now – what can we do to try and prepare?
The top priority for people over the age of 18 is to get their booster dose if they are due. If you had your second dose at least three months ago, that means you’re eligible. You can walk-in or drive-up to all community vaccination centres to get your booster dose today. You can also book in with more than 380 vaccinating GPs and pharmacies across Auckland.
You should prepare a kit for your home and make a plan if you or someone in your household becomes a positive Covid-19 case. This includes having a conversation with family and friends about support you might need if you’re isolating, like getting food and caring for pets and family members. You can also offer your help to others in your community who might need it.
Continue to follow good hygiene practices and wherever you go; wear a mask and scan in.
Why is getting a booster so important with Omicron?
Omicron moves fast and becomes the dominant strain quickly (replacing Delta). While it has a lower incidence of hospitalisation, the numbers involved mean that health systems come under pressure quickly in an outbreak. New Zealand has the advantage of a recently vaccinated population – but we need everyone who is eligible for their booster dose to get it as soon as possible to make sure we are as prepared as we can be for Omicron.
While two doses provide some degree of protection against severe disease from Omicron, a booster is likely to offer greater protection against transmitting Covid-19 to others and reduce the chance of more serious infections. It also means reducing hospitalisations and putting less pressure on our health system.
Why has the gap between a second dose and booster dose been shortened to three months?
Now that we have community cases it’s important that we take the steps that we can to protect ourselves and our communities. By bringing the booster gap forward to three months another 1 million people can get their booster now instead of having to wait another month. Other countries that have also moved to 3 months include: Australia, Chile, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
Current evidence shows that after 4 months following a primary vaccination course, there is a reduction in protection against symptomatic infection. Giving a ‘top up’ vaccine after a primary course helps boost your immunity against Covid-19, especially the Omicron variant.
Anyone aged 18 or older who has had two doses of Covid-19 vaccine is at least three months ago is urged to get their free booster vaccine to help protect themselves, their whanau and the wider community. Booster doses are available at all vaccination centres including walk-ins and drive-throughs.
When should I get a test?
Only those who have Covid-19 symptoms – or are a close contact of a confirmed case - need to get a test and isolate at home until a negative result is returned.
The most common early symptoms of the Omicron variant are a sore or scratchy throat, and a runny nose. If you have any of these symptoms, please get a test.
What happens after I get a test?
After you get your test, you should stay at home until you get a negative result. You will receive your negative result via a text message.
If your test is positive, you will be contacted by either your own doctor or a health professional who will give you advice. From this point on, you must stay at home or your accommodation, unless a health professional tells you otherwise.
What if I test positive and live with multiple other people?
If someone in your household tests positive for Covid-19 — the entire household will need to stay home. Plan by making a list of who could help by dropping off groceries and supplies.
If there are people in your household who might need extra care or support, talk to any in-home carers you have and agree in advance about what will happen if you need to isolate.
Put together a wellness kit — face masks, hand sanitiser, gloves, tissues, rubbish bags, cleaning products.
Make sure you have things to help you with Covid-19 symptoms — like pain relief such as ibuprofen, nasal spray, throat lozenges, cough medicine, ice blocks, vapour rubs.
What are the side effects after getting a booster dose?
You may experience some side effects, similar to those you might’ve had after the first or second dose, such as muscle aches, pain at the injection site or headaches.
For most people these are mild effects. They are a sign your body’s immune system is learning to fight the virus. They don’t last long and for many people do not impact on day-to-day activities.
Where can people get their booster doses?
People can walk in or drive up to all community vaccination centres across the city, and also book in with GPs and pharmacies. There are currently more than 380 vaccinating GPs and pharmacies across the city. Individual bookings will be available at BookMyVaccine.nz, and bookings for two or more members of the whanau can be made by calling 0800 28 29 26.
Can I get a booster if pregnant?
Pregnant people aged 18 and older can receive the Pfizer booster vaccine at any stage of pregnancy, at least three months after the second dose, and are encouraged to discuss the timing of their booster with their midwife, obstetrician or general practitioner.
Why is my ID NOT checked when I use my Vaccine Pass?
Businesses operating under My Vaccine Pass rules are not required to check ID, but they may request it.
What do parents need to know about getting their children aged 5 to 11 protected?
Now is the time for parents and caregivers to bring their children aged 5 to 11 down to a nearby vaccination site or to their local GP or pharmacy that’s offering paediatric vaccinations.
The vaccine used for this age group is a children’s version of the Pfizer vaccine, with a lower dose and smaller volume. They need two doses of the vaccine to be fully protected. And it’s recommended these are given at least 8 weeks apart.
The Pfizer vaccine is proven to be highly effective in young people after two doses are administered. That means if they do develop COVID-19, they’re far less likely to fall seriously ill and less likely to transmit the virus to others – including whanau and friends who may be more at risk from Covid-19.
What does it mean to be at the red traffic light setting?
The whole of New Zealand is currently at red, where it’s important to remember:
Red is not a lockdown, but there are restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19.
You will always be able to access basic needs services, such as food and healthcare.
You can travel anywhere in New Zealand for any reason, and see friends and family.
You must wear a face mask on flights, public transport, and taxis, in retail shops and public venues, and in health and education facilities.
With My Vaccine Pass, most parts of life continue as usual. You can visit cafes and bars, attend gatherings and events, and go to the hairdresser and gym. There are capacity limits and distancing requirements at some venues.
Without My Vaccine Pass, there are restrictions.
Workplaces and schools are open.
Keep scanning QR codes and recordkeeping wherever you go.
Keep physically distanced wherever possible.
If you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, isolate immediately and call Healthline for advice.
For more information, visit https://covid19.govt.nz/traffic-lights/life-at-red/