Important update for people in Group 3

From Friday 23rd July, disabled people can call the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 to book their vaccination if they don’t already have an appointment.

A national advertising campaign to promote the COVID Vaccination Healthline 0800 number will also start. 

Anyone who has received an invitation to book is encouraged to use the link in the invitation to book online. If someone in Group 3 hasn’t received an invitation they can make a booking by calling 0800 28 29 26 between 8am and 8pm 7 days a week.

For those that need it, you are welcome to use the New Zealand Relay Services

Rollout progress

Vaccinations for those in Groups 1, 2 and 3 are well underway. This includes border and MIQ workers, high-risk frontline workers, people living in high-risk places and people who are at risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. Once it’s your turn, you can be vaccinated at any time – there’s no cut off. This is a whole sector collaboration to achieve the biggest vaccination programme ever run in Aotearoa New Zealand. Everyone aged 16 and over will be able to be vaccinated by the end of this year.

There are many different vaccination sites and services across the country. These will vary by DHB but include community vaccination sites and pop-up sites. You may not be able to see your normal health practitioner at this stage in the rollout.

You won’t need to provide proof of disability

Disabled people can access the vaccine as part of Group 2 or Group 3. We are not expecting people to provide proof of disability, such as a medical certificate. This means you can decide yourself whether you live with a disability, using the definition provided on our website. Everyone will get access to the COVID-19 vaccine over time, so you’ll have an opportunity to be vaccinated regardless of whether you choose to self-identify as disabled or not.

For information about the rollout and groups visit: COVID-19: The vaccine rollout | Ministry of Health NZ

Carers of people with a disability are in Group 3

People caring for people with a disability, including family and whānau of disabled people, are in Group 3. It doesn’t matter if the person you are caring for isn’t currently eligible for the vaccination (for example, if they’re under 16 years).

Alternate formats and supported decision-making tools

The Ministry of Health has a page on our website dedicated to COVID-19 vaccine advice for people with a disability. This page also contains resources in alternate formats, including Easy Read, New Zealand Sign Language, large print and audio.

The page also has 3 supported decision-making tool documents that you can download and fill in. These are to help support someone with a disability in deciding about getting the COVID-19 vaccine. You can read the guidance information or use a combination of tools that best suit the communication profile of the person you're supporting to make a decision. We encourage providers and carers to offer support before the vaccination site. Please think about whether these tools might be useful for you or someone you support. It’s important to have conversations about the vaccine and explore available information from trusted sources so everyone feels comfortable and informed.

For more information visit: COVID-19: Disabled people – vaccine advice | Ministry of Health NZ

Side effects and adverse reactions

Like all medicines, the vaccine may cause side effects in some people. Most side effects are mild and don’t last long. People who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 are asked to wait for 20 minutes so medical staff can check there is no serious allergic reaction. Our vaccinators are well trained to manage any adverse reaction, including anaphylaxis. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to any vaccine or injection in the past, talk to your vaccinator.

If you’re unsure about your symptoms or if they get worse, call Healthline: 0800 358 5453

If you do feel unwell after you leave the vaccination site, please use this form to report all suspected adverse effects for COVID-19 vaccines that you are made aware of: COVID-19 Vaccine: Report an adverse reaction

You do not have to be certain that the vaccine caused the event to report.

Health Passport

Letting health workers know what you need can be hard, especially if you have complex needs. The Health and Disability Commissioner is working with hospitals around the country to introduce the Health Passport.

You can order or download your copy and update it with information about how people can support you and communicate with you. It’s the sort of thing you could take if you’re going to a hospital or vaccination centre, or when you use other health and disability services, such as visiting your GP or meeting a new carer.

Visit the Health and Disability website to find out about the Health Passport, find guidance about completing it and order a copy or download one to print and complete: Health Passport - Health and Disability Commissioner (hdc.org.nz)

We’re training more COVID-19 vaccinators

A recent Government change to the Medicines Regulations means more people in the health and disability sector can now undertake the necessary training to become vaccinators. This provides a much-needed boost to vaccinator numbers and diversity in the COVID-19 Immunisation Programme.

Medsafe provisionally approves Janssen COVID-19 vaccine

Medsafe has granted provisional approval of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for those 18 years and over. This does not mean that we have committed to using the Janssen vaccine in New Zealand but having the option increases our choices and gives us more flexibility if we need it. Cabinet is still to consider the best options for use of this single-dose vaccine and a decision is expected in August.

12-15 year olds update

Medsafe has given provisional approval of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine for young people aged 12 to 15 years. Cabinet is waiting on guidance about when and how to use the Pfizer vaccine for those people within the vaccine rollout. Until then, people aged 12 to 15 cannot receive the Pfizer vaccine. It will not be mandatory for young people to get vaccinated. 

Further information

Guidance on responding to false and misleading information

The rollout plan: Covid-19 Vaccine: When will I get my vaccine?

COVID-19: The vaccine rollout | Ministry of Health NZ

COVID-19: Disabled people – vaccine advice | Ministry of Health NZ

Contact Disability Services

Email: disability@health.govt.nz

Call: 0800 DSD MOH (0800 373 664)

Web: www.health.govt.nz/disability

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