COVID-19 vaccines: Updated for JN.1 variant
A vaccine to combat the JN.1 variant of COVID-19 has been approved and will be available from early 2025.
COVID-19 vaccine updated for JN.1 variant
Medsafe has approved an updated vaccine to combat the JN.1 strain of COVID-19.
The Comirnaty (JN.1) vaccine targets the JN.1 variant of COVID-19 and is expected to provide better protection against currently circulating strains of the virus.
The latest variants in circulation are all relatives of JN.1, which caused a wave of infections this year.
The updated vaccine will be available in early 2025
The Comirnaty (JN.1) vaccine replaces the Comirnaty (XBB.1.5) vaccine. It will be available to New Zealanders early in 2025. Pharmac is working with Pfizer and Health New Zealand to make it available as soon as possible.
We will update this page when we have more information.
Who can get the vaccine?
Anyone over 5 can get an initial vaccine. There are rules about who can get booster shots.
COVID-19 Additional doses | Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora(external link)
How to book a vaccine | Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora(external link)
Access to COVID-19 vaccines hasn't changed. If we were to change the access, we would consult with the public first.
About COVID-19 vaccines
The COVID-19 vaccine available in New Zealand is made by Pfizer-BioNTech.
It is known by its brand name, Comirnaty. It is an mRNA-based (messenger ribonucleic acid) vaccine.
The vaccine used is updated according to the strain of COVID-19 circulating in the community at the time.
Who to contact
If you have questions about the Comirnaty (JN.1) vaccine, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.
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