For the latest information about the COVID-19 Vaccines
To find out more about the Covid vaccines, please visit the COVID19.GOVT.NZ website.
Click here to be directed to this website.
Click here to book your vaccine.
Last updated: 11 February 2022 – Ministry of Health Website
COVID-19 vaccine: Children aged 5 to 11
Tamariki aged 5 to 11 are eligible for two paediatric (child) doses of the Pfizer vaccine 8 weeks apart. For Parents and caregivers who want to learn more about the benefits of tamariki being vaccinated, the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine, appointments and consent please click here.
Last updated: 4 February 2022 – Ministry of Health Website
COVID-19 vaccine: Severely immunocompromised people
If you’re severely immunocompromised, you have a higher risk of getting serious infection if you’re exposed to COVID-19.
You can be severely immunocompromised by having a medical condition causing immunodeficiency, or through medicines used to treat a range of conditions. While you may not respond as strongly as someone with a fully functioning immune system, getting vaccinated can protect you from becoming very unwell if you get COVID-19.
The best time to be vaccinated is before any planned immunosuppression, but this is not always possible so do not delay treatment.
If you’re severely immunocompromised, discuss the timing of your vaccination with your doctor or specialist. While the vaccine can be given at any stage of treatment, you may be able to time your vaccination appointments between rounds of treatment to optimise your immune response.
Third primary dose for severely immunocompromised people
Individuals who are severely immunocompromised might not produce a sufficiently strong immune response after two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. A third primary dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is optional but recommended for people aged 12 and over who are severely immunocompromised.
The third primary dose should be given at least 8 weeks after the second dose but can be given from 4 weeks after the second dose after consideration of current or planned immunosuppressive therapies.
A third primary dose is different to a booster dose for the general population, which is offered at least 3 months after the usual two-dose primary course.
The eligibility criteria for those who should be offered a third primary dose is complex and applies only to people who are severely immunocompromised. Such decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or specialist.
Click here to view the eligibility criteria (page 5)
Your health practitioner can use the criteria to review whether your health conditions mean that you are recommended to have this third primary dose. If you think you might qualify, speak with your GP or specialist.
How to access a third primary dose
A prescription and consent form must be provided before people who are severely immunocompromised can access a third primary dose. The third primary dose is considered off-label use, so in accordance with Section 25 of The Medicines Act can be obtained only with a prescription and a signed consent form before it is given.
If you think you qualify, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your usual health care provider.
You might be able to receive the third primary dose at the same time as your consultation – check with your medical practitioner to see if they offer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
If your prescribing clinician doesn’t offer Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination, you can take the script and consent form to any vaccination clinic, including a vaccinating pharmacy.
Appointments for a third primary dose are free.
Boosters
If you had a third primary dose and are aged 18 years and over, you can receive a booster dose 3 months later.
If you have any questions about the above information, please discuss this with your GP or medical professional. Please refer to The Ministry of Health website for up to date information.
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION!**
A third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine that has been recommended for severely immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and older is now available to be accessed, says National Director COVID-19 Vaccination and Immunisation Programme Jo Gibbs. Click here to continue reading>>
New Zealand Society of Gastroenterology (NZSG) has released a Vaccine Policy Statement and Clinical Guidance document about the Third Primary Dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech. Read More>>
To download the consent form to take with you to your GP or specialist appointment, Click here>>
New Zealand Society of Gastroenterology (NZSG) has released a position statement on the Covid vaccines.
Click here to read the document.
GREAT NEWS!!!! Minister Hipkins has moved people with IBD into Group 3 to receive the vaccine!!!
Click here to read the letter.
This is an EXCELLENT video from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation in the States about the Covid vaccines and how they relate to people with IBD. It is a bit long, but addresses many questions and concerns that those in our community might have. Dr. Rubin, one of the speakers, was the keynote speaker at our NZSG meeting a few years ago in Wellington.
For more information about Covid-19 Vaccines in New Zealand please visit the covid-19.govt.nz website or the Ministry of Health website.
