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An updated vaccine to combat the newest strains of Covid-19 has been approved and will be ready in time for New Zealand’s winter in 2024.��

Medsafe today approved Pfizer’s application for the new vaccine which will “be used to help reduce next year’s winter load on our hospitals”.��

“The series of changes we see in the Covid-19 virus means we need to continually reassess and update our response to it,” Medsafe group manager Chris James said in a statement.��

The announcement came as the country battles a��fifth wave of infections��in the lead up to Christmas.��

There were��7417 new Covid-19 cases reported in the week, a slight decrease from the previous week. Two weeks ago, however, 6656 cases were reported. The daily average number of cases was 1058, up from last week’s daily average.��

Professor Michael Baker of the University of Otago’s department of public health said that by year’s end there was “likely to be” about 1000 virus-attributable deaths, 12,000 hospitalisations and thousands of people disabled from long-Covid during 2023.��

Medsafe group manager Chris James made the announcement today. Photo / File��

Pharmac director of pharmaceuticals Geraldine MacGibbon said it’s important to ensure New Zealand has the best available protection heading towards the winter season.��

“Securing Covid-19 vaccine stock for 2024 is a high priority for Pharmac.��

“We’re working with the suppliers, Medsafe, and Health NZ - Te Whatu Ora, to ensure New Zealanders have access to the Covid-19 XBB.1.5 vaccine in time for people to protect themselves and their whānau ahead of winter,” MacGibbon said.��

No changes to eligibility have been made yet and MacGibbon said Pharmac would consult publicly to incorporate feedback from the healthcare sector and community if changes were considered.��

“We will share more information on our website and with the public as it is available,” she said.��

Pharmac says no changes to the eligibility of the vaccine have been made. Photo / George Novak��

The Ministry of Health said the current BA.4.5 booster vaccines remain available and are effective in reducing the risk of severe illness from Covid-19.��

“People are encouraged to get a booster now if due, as we are in the midst of a current Covid-19 wave. If you are due, don’t wait until next year,” said deputy director of public health Harriette Carr.��

“It is important to get a booster now to protect yourself and your loved ones, especially with Covid cases currently on the rise,” she said.��

Carr said these groups in particular are recommended to get a booster:��

-People aged 65 and older;��

-Māori and Pacific people aged 50 and older;��

-Those who have a medical condition that makes them severely immunocompromised (12 years of age and older);��

-Pregnant people who have not had any booster dose previously, have co-morbidities, or have no history of previous COVID-19 infection;��

-Residents of aged care facilities;��

-People who were recommended to receive a booster in April 2023 but have not yet done so.��

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Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He has worked for the��Herald��since 2022.��