Health experts urge updated Covid-19 booster before Christmas gatherings
As Christmas approaches, health experts are advising certain groups to consider an updated Covid-19 booster. Professors Michael Baker and Nikki Turner have weighed in on the benefits of the vaccine ahead of the festive season. The latest Pfizer JN.1 jab offers strong protection against current variants and is free for eligible adults over 30.
Covid-19 waves have settled into a more predictable pattern since the Omicron surge in early 2022. Hospitalisations are now at their lowest in four years, thanks to widespread immunity from past infections and vaccinations. Still, older people, pregnant women, those with serious health conditions, and immunocompromised individuals face higher risks of severe illness.
The updated booster is free for all eligible New Zealanders aged 30 and over. Health officials recommend it as a practical step before the festive season. Alongside other precautions, it provides an extra layer of defence against Covid-19 and supports broader public health efforts.
