The Director-General of Health says it's not inevitable that the Omicron Covid-19 variant will make its way in to the community.
Dr Ashley Bloomfield is recommending a third vaccine dose before the current six month wait, as a way to better protect the population, and will take this to cabinet today.
But Dr Bloomfield told Morning Report that lockdowns cannot be discounted as a possible tool.
"The key thing is we've found right through this pandemic is keep as many aces in your hand as you can, and don't be afraid to play them when you need to.
"So, we've got a good Covid protection framework that includes the option for using lock downs, if necessary.
"But the key thing is we've got that high rate of vaccination and you know, hitting that 90 percent double dosed yesterday, and still going up day on day."
Dr Bloomfield says Omicron makes no difference to when the vaccine for children will be rolled out.
