GETTING A COVID-19 VACCINE
Current COVID-19 Immunisation Programme Status
The NZ Government is currently rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine to Groups 1, 2 and will start inviting Group 3 to be vaccinated late May.
When will people with diabetes receive the vaccine?
Group 2 includes people with diabetes living within the Counties Manukau District Health Board (DHB) district. Group 3 includes people with diabetes in all regions.
The NZ government expects to be able to offer the general public a COVID-19 vaccine in the second half of 2021.
If you’re part of Group 2 receiving the vaccine, a health worker from your regional DHB will then get in touch and invite you to be vaccinated.
If you’re in group 3, you can expect an invitation to be vaccinated from your local DHB from late May.
There are about 1.7 million people in Group 3, so you may not get an invitation immediately. Most DHBs will start with people who are aged 75 or over, then move onto those with disabilities or relevant underlying health conditions.
Each district health board (DHB) around New Zealand is managing the rollout of the vaccine in their area. Exactly how and when people are contacted may differ between regions.
The roll-out plan is as follows:
Who will give the vaccine?
The vaccine is given by a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. You have the right to informed consent before receiving the vaccine, so you will be advised as to why you are being offered it, what type of vaccine it is and any potential side effects. Once you have received the full information to help you make your decision, you will be asked you if you want the vaccine.
Can my employer require me to be vaccinated?
Employers cannot require an individual to be vaccinated. However, employers can require a specific role be performed by a vaccinated person.
Workers do not have to tell their employer if they have been vaccinated or why they are unable or choose not to be vaccinated. If workers have consented, the Ministry of Health can inform employers whether Group 1 and Group 2 workers have been vaccinated.
Which COVID-19 vaccines are available in New Zealand?
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is approved for use in New Zealand and the first doses have already been used to vaccinate border and MIQ workers and their families.
The Government has also signed an advance purchase agreement for 8.5 million additional doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, bringing the total to 10 million doses, enough for 5 million people to get the 2 shots needed to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
