Kiwis are being reminded to be "extra cautious" and not become complacent with the alert level rules just because they have recently been vaccinated.
When the Delta outbreak began in August there was a surge in vaccinations, which dropped off in September before bouncing back earlier this month as it came time for people's second jab and it dawned on many that COVID-19 was here to stay.
As of Thursday 61 percent of eligible Kiwis had been fully vaccinated, with 83 percent having had their first dose. In Auckland, where the current outbreak is centred, the proportion of people jabbed is a tad higher, with 87 percent receiving one dose and 66 percent having two.
Dr Janine Paynter, a senior research fellow and expert in vaccine safety and effectiveness, told Newshub it was important people who recently received their second dose understood it took time for full protections to come into effect.
"It is important to remember once you have got your vaccine, it does take about a week for the benefits and protections to kick in.
"I would recommend minimising your contact. If you do need to go out and see people, keep wearing masks, keep up the hand-washing, all those things that help prevent transmission of disease."
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can take up two weeks after the second vaccination for the body to build up full immunity.
"That means it is possible a person could still get COVID-19 before or just after vaccination and then get sick because the vaccine did not have enough time to build protection."
Data collected by the CDC shows that, when facing Delta, those fully vaccinated were five times less likely to be infected and 10 times less likely to be hospitalised or die from COVID-19. The chances of transmitting the virus is also far smaller.
Of New Zealand's Delta outbreak cases, just 4 percent were fully vaccinated and of the 170 cases hospitalised, just three had had two jabs.
"While the vaccine is generally good… there is still a small proportion that get a little bit sick and there is a risk they can pass it on. It is about being extra cautious, not taking any chances where the disease is concerned," Dr Paynter said.
She brought forward her second dose in light of the recent increase in cases. Seventy-one new cases were reported on Thursday, with a warning that could double in the next two weeks. The reproduction value (R value - or the average number of people a case will pass the virus on to) of the current outbreak stands at about 1.2.
"I am very worried about the numbers. To me, at this stage, it looks like the disease is getting away. I would urge everyone to get vaccinated.
"What I see in terms of COVID versus potential vaccine side effects is really scary. Basically, the disease is way more scary for me than any of these other things."
The Government has said we need to hit the 90 percent mark before lockdowns can be put to the side, and continues to urge people to get jabbed. A Super Saturday programme is happening this weekend with a 'Vaxathon' encouraging people to get out and get vaccinated.
The Deputy Prime Minister on Thursday emphasised the need for people to follow the current rules. For those under alert level 3, that means keeping gatherings outdoors.
"Stay in your bubble," Grant Robertson said. "Wear a mask. Maintain physical distancing. Do not mingle with family and friends other than in safe outdoor settings where we know the virus spread is limited."
