Covid-19 Vaccination Updates

There is a change in advice around getting vaccinated after becoming positive with COVID. IMAC advice follows:

People should be offered vaccination regardless of their history of symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection; this includes people with prolonged post-COVID-19 symptoms. It is recommended they wait at least 3 months/12 weeks* from resolution of acute symptoms or from the first positive test if asymptomatic. Current evidence suggests that the risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection is low in the months after initial infection but may increase with time due to waning immunity.

*For temporary exemptions, Category 1A allows 12 weeks.

There is no indication to do serological testing before vaccination.

People with a history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-A or MIS-C) with their COVID infection should consider delaying vaccination until they have recovered from their illness and for 90 days after the date of diagnosis of MIS-C or MIS-A, recognizing that the risk of reinfection and, therefore, the benefit from vaccination, might increase with time following initial infection. If the MIS occurred after receipt of COVID vaccine, they should be discussed with a medical advisor at IMAC.

Medical and nurse practitioners may apply for temporary exemption on behalf of unvaccinated or partially vaccinated patients. Strict criteria apply, and supporting documentation is required. The turnaround time for the application to be processed can be delayed when there is high demand. It is recommended that the application is made as soon as the case is confirmed positive and you are made aware that they are going to need an exemption - e.g. those needing to return to work under a vaccine mandate.

https://www.health.govt.nz/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-response-planning/covid-19mandatory-vaccinations/covid-19-exemptions-mandatory-vaccination#temp-exempt