Ahead of Budget 2024, let's recap what we know about Covid restrictions, vaccines, tests, and more. It is unclear whether the supply of free RATs and masks will be extended beyond the mid-year deadline. Initially, Covid vaccines and treatments were paid for from a separate fund provided by the government. Now, Covid vaccines and treatments need to be prioritised against all the other medicines, medical devices, vaccines, and related products funded for New Zealanders. While the Covid vaccines do not necessarily stop someone becoming infected, they remain good protection against severe illness and death from the disease.
