Covid-19 Protection Framework (Traffic Lights)

Listen

The framework provides a guide to protecting one another, keeping our health system running well and businesses open.

Factors for considering a shift between levels

vaccination coverage;
capacity of the health and disability system;
testing, contact tracing and case management capacity; and
the transmission of COVID-19 within the community, including its impact on key populations.

Decisions will also include other factors, including economic and social impacts and operational considerations.

Localised protections and lockdowns

can be used as part of the public health response, in addition to other measures
where necessary to protect affected communities.

My Vaccine Pass

The official record of your COVID-19 vaccination status for use in Aotearoa New Zealand.

You will be legally required to provide your Vaccine Pass to enter places that have vaccination requirements in place in order to operate under the current traffic light setting. This may include hospitality venues, events, gatherings, and gyms.

You cannot be asked to provide your Vaccine Pass to access basic needs services, including supermarkets, dairies, petrol stations, public transport, pharmacies and essential health care. This also applies to specific education and housing services.

COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights) [PDF]

COVID-19 Protection Framework (detailed) [PDF]

For more details of life at each Traffic Light colour see below.

Boosters

Boosters are strongly recommended for anyone over 18 who has had their second dose at least 4 months ago. You can visit some walk-in sites for a booster dose. You can also book an appointment for a booster dose by calling the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week).

From 17 January 2022, you'll be able to book booster doses yourself at Book My Vaccine | Ministry of Health NZ (covid19.health.nz).

COVID-19 vaccine and children

Information for parents and caregivers

From 17 January, parents or caregivers of tamariki aged 5 to 11 can go to a walk-in clinic with their tamariki or use BookMyVaccine.nz to get immunised with their usual health provider, hauora or general practice (make sure you select the appropriate age range). Ages 12 and over are eligible now.

Learn about the effects COVID-19 could have on unvaccinated young people, the effectiveness and safety of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, providing consent for vaccination and what to expect during the appointment here.

Rapid Antigen Test (RATs)

RATs will become the primary form of testing. Millions of RATs have been distributed around the country to testing sites, GPs, pharmacies and within workplaces.

People can now access a RAT from hundreds of locations around the country. Locations with RATs available can be found on the HealthPoint website.

Approved RATs are available to the public through retail outlets. This will provide choice and access for the general public and small businesses.

Testing Guidelines

How to use a Rapid Antigen Test

Testing Positive for Covid-19 - What to do next?