Vaccinating tamariki 5 – 11 years protects the whole whānau

Research and data insights show a number of whānau remain uncertain about getting their tamariki aged 5-11 years immunised.

Whilst tamariki and rangatahi who catch COVID-19 will usually have no symptoms or only mild respiratory symptoms similar to a cold, some can become very sick and need to go to hospital – which is why health professionals recommend we vaccinate our tamariki and rangatahi. It can also help protect our young people from rare complications including long COVID.

Vaccination is a way of protecting the whole whānau, community and other tamariki at school and kura. Taking care of ourselves is taking care of others. 

Here Dr Lily Fraser explains to tamariki how the vaccine works. 

The COVID Vaccination Healthline team is available to talk through questions or worries with parents on 0800 28 29 26 from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Parents can ask to speak to a Māori advisor.