The era of free universal Covid vaccinations may end next winter

New Health Minister Shane Reti is refusing to say whether the Government will continue to fund the jab.

He says funding for both the vaccine and antiviral, is due to come to an end in the middle of next year, and remains under consideration.

The scrapping of free jabs entirely would be unlikely, but the Government could move to a targeted system like the one used for the flu, where vulnerable populations get it for free.

Former Health Minister Ayesha Verrall, now Labour's health spokesperson says she expects the Government to take expert advice before changing the vaccine strategy.