Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I can advise that 36,000 rangatahi aged between 16 and 17 years old will be eligible to receive a booster dose. Medsafe follows a very robust approvals process to ensure that all vaccines we use here in New Zealand meet acceptable standards for safety, quality, and efficacy. We know that immunity to the virus does wane over time, so getting a booster is the best protection someone can have against COVID-19. It's also a reminder to any New Zealander who hasn't yet had their booster that even if they've already had COVID-19, getting a booster at least three months after they've tested positive for COVID-19 can help to reduce the risk of being re-infected and passing it on to others. It also reduces the chances of becoming very ill and ending up in hospital.