New Zealand Urges Covid Booster Before Holiday Gatherings

As the festive season approaches, New Zealand health officials strongly recommend that eligible individuals receive a Covid-19 booster vaccination. With crowded gatherings and increased travel expected during the holidays, the call for a booster aims to enhance immunity and reduce the risk of severe illness from the virus.

The ongoing circulation of the Omicron variant has led to a steady presence of Covid-19 in the community. According to data from Te Whatu Ora, hospital admissions related to Covid-19 have significantly decreased, with approximately 30 people hospitalized nationwide in late December 2025. This marks the lowest baseline of hospitalizations in four years.

Importance of Vaccination for At-Risk Groups

Although the overall risk of severe illness has diminished, certain groups remain particularly vulnerable. Older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of experiencing serious consequences from Covid-19. For these populations, receiving a booster before holiday travel is advisable.

Vaccination helps restore protection against severe outcomes, such as hospitalization and death. While immunity from previous vaccinations and infections declines over time, receiving a booster can reinstate that frontline defence. The current variant vaccine, the Pfizer JN.1, is effective against the circulating variants and is available at no cost to eligible individuals.

Anyone aged 30 or over can receive an additional dose six months after their last vaccination or infection.

Beyond Covid: Other Health Risks During the Holidays

The holiday season also poses other health risks, notably the potential for measles outbreaks. Recent reports indicate a decline in childhood vaccination coverage for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) to the low 80% range. With New Zealand’s sizable migrant population, the risk of imported cases remains a concern, especially given gaps in vaccination history among some individuals.

Health experts emphasize that there is no harm in receiving an MMR dose even if immunity is already present. With the holiday season approaching, vaccination serves as a sensible precaution for those uncertain of their immunity status.

Despite Covid-19 remaining a prominent cause of respiratory illness, other infections continue to circulate at lower levels. The combination of increased travel and indoor gatherings can create opportunities for viruses to spread. Basic public health measures, such as avoiding social gatherings when feeling unwell, remain essential.

Testing for Covid-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) using rapid antigen tests can help identify infections early. Additionally, maintaining good ventilation in indoor spaces and using well-fitted masks can further reduce the risk of infection.

As families prepare for the festive season, staying updated on vaccinations can bolster community health. While the likelihood of contracting Covid-19 may be lower than in previous years, enhancing immunity through vaccination helps protect families and the healthcare system during this busy time.

Michael Baker, a professor of public health at the University of Otago, and Nikki Turner, a professor at the University of Auckland and member of the Immunisation Advisory Centre, urge everyone to consider these recommendations seriously as the holidays approach.