COVID-19 vaccine available for younger children at higher risk

Tamariki aged 6 months to 4 years who are immunocompromised or have multiple or complex health conditions are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.

From 9 February a version of the paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be available for children aged 6 months to 4 years who are at higher risk of severe disease if they were to get COVID-19.

MHC will not be offering this vaccine, if your child is eligible, you will be able to book a vaccine by:

 

Eligibility criteria for young children

The vaccine is available for children aged from 6 months to 4 years who have the following health conditions:

  • chronic lung disease
  • serious heart conditions such as congestive heart failure or congenital
  • heart disease
  • diabetes
  • chronic kidney disease
  • chronic neurological or neuromuscular disease such as cerebral palsy
  • Down syndrome
  • a weakened immune system or are on an immunosuppressive
  • treatment such as chemotherapy
  • severe haematological disorders
  • a transplant in the last 24 months.

 

Children who are not in any of the high-risk categories are not eligible for the vaccine as they have a low likelihood of severe illness from COVID-19.