Covid-19 Vaccine Update - 14/02/2021 Kia ora koutou As you will have seen in the news, the Prime Minister has announced a change in Alert Levels to support investigations into three new COVID-19 cases in Auckland. These cases reinforce the importance of moving quickly on our vaccination programme to protect the people most at risk. I want to assure you this will not impact our planned rollout of the Pfizer vaccine starting with those people working in MIQ facilities and at the border. With less than a week until the vaccine programme starts in Auckland, I know you are keen for information on where, when and how the initial vaccinations will be given. The Auckland DHBs have been testing the viability of potential vaccination sites to understand which locations at which times are going to best meet workforce needs next weekend. They have been running trials to ensure the rollout logistics next week are on track. We are finalising those details with the DHBs as well as factoring in any additional adjustments following today’s announcement and will have more detailed information on the rollout schedule to from tomorrow. It’s vital that you have the right information about the vaccine rollout and its safety to give you confidence ahead of being vaccinated. Here are two fact sheets that have been developed through ongoing engagement with representatives from your organisations, to address the common questions and concerns. •
Getting your COVID-19 vaccine: what to expect – this document summarises the key information people need to know about COVID -19 vaccines, potential side effects, and how the vaccines keep you safe
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COVID-19 vaccine: FAQs – this provides an updated summary of the most common FAQs from our engagements with your agencies and employee representatives to date. We will provide further updates on a regular basis
You may have questions that aren’t covered in this material, so please remember that the Ministry of Health vaccine team is also available to support you and can be contacted at: covid19vaccine@health.govt.nz Vaccination is a key tool in our defence against COVID-19 because it helps reduce the risk catching and spreading the virus, minimizing the strain on our health and disability system. The health and safety of New Zealanders remains our priority - getting vaccinated will provide you and your whānau with added protection as we fight together to eliminate COVID-19 from New Zealand Aotearoa. When the time comes, I strongly encourage you to take this opportunity to keep yourself and those you love safe by getting vaccinated. Ngā mihi, Dr Ashley Bloomfield Te Tumu Whakarae mō te Hauora Director-General of Health email: ashley.bloomfield@health.govt.nz www.health.govt.nz