Remember to:
More info on the traffic light system here
Symptoms include:
These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have COVID-19, and are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as colds and flu.
Don’t panic if you have some of these symptoms, call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 and get a test if recommended.
COVID-19 is known to cause breathing difficulties and coughing, which can be extremely dangerous to those who already have a hard time breathing due to a medical condition.
The people most at risk of severe health impacts from COVID-19 are those with uncontrolled or pre-existing respiratory conditions such as chronic lung disease, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD) and emphysema, and severe asthma that needs multiple medications and medical care.
You should work with your GP or specialist if you need help understanding your own level of risk and advice on how to stay healthy.
For Ministry of Health guidance for at-risk people find out more here.
People of all ages can be infected by COVID-19, but people who are over the age of 70, immunocompromised, or with underlying severe medical conditions, are more vulnerable to adverse outcomes from contracting the virus.
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Millions of people across the world have now had the Pfizer vaccine, and outcomes are being monitored carefully. Asthma exacerbation and shortness of breath are not listed as side-effects, and people with asthma and other respiratory conditions, including severe asthma, can be confident that vaccination is safe for them.
People with underlying health conditions, including asthma, took part in the clinical trials for the Pfizer vaccination, and it was found to be safe and effective in these groups. The studies of another mRNA-based vaccination produced by Moderna also included people with mild, moderate and severe asthma, and showed that the vaccine was equally effective in these groups.
The Pfizer vaccination is the only one currently available in New Zealand and we would encourage people to take the safe and effective vaccination that is currently available rather than delaying. If you want to know more about what is in the vaccine or how it works, you can visit the Unite Against COVID-19 website. If you are still concerned, you can talk to your doctor prior to getting the vaccine.
There are no current concerns relating to asthma medicines and COVID-19 vaccinations. There is no reason for people with medicated asthma to avoid these vaccines.
At Orange and Red traffic light settings, you legally must wear a face covering if you are a customer or an employee involving customer contact at a business or service. The Ministry of Health also strongly encourages New Zealanders to wear a mask or face covering whenever they leave their home at Orange and Red settings.
Face masks or face coverings are also mandatory on all public transport at Orange and Red settings, and on passenger flights throughout New Zealand at all traffic light settings.
If you have a respiratory condition that makes wearing a face mask unsuitable, you can request an exemption card from the Disabled Persons Assembly NZ by contacting them on 04 801 9100 or emailing them at info@dpa.org.nz
Find out more about mask requirements and recommendations at each traffic light setting here.
Visit our page for advice on face masks for those with respiratory disease here.
Depending on whether your condition is moderate or severe, you may fall into the high-risk category, and your GP will be able to advise what steps to take to protect yourself. For those deemed at-risk and also working in essential services, self-isolation may be required in some circumstances.
Advice to everyone is (including those with asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, or other respiratory conditions):
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) has provided guidance for those with COPD during the COVID-19 pandemic:
For Ministry of Health guidance for at-risk people find out more here.
The flu vaccine does not protect you against COVID-19 but it will help to reduce demand on hospitals this winter and keep you protected from influenza.
From 18 March, people with chronic respiratory disease will be funded for a FREE seasonal flu vaccine. This includes:
• Those with asthma, if on regular preventer therapy.
• Those with chronic bronchitis, COPD, cystic fibrosis, emphysema.
• Children aged 4 years and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness.
• All people 65 years of age and over.
For information about eligibility criteria go to: www.influenza.org.nz/eligibili...
For more information on these guidelines, visit the Ministry of Health's dedicated COVID-19 website at covid19.govt.nz
Download Protection Framework Summary Table (66KB)
Page last updated: Tuesday 21 December 2021
