AstraZeneca key messages

Key messages AstraZeneca roll out • The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine will soon be available for people aged 18 and older who cannot receive the Pfizer vaccine, and for people who wish to have a different COVID-19 vaccine.

• We have 100,000 doses of AstraZeneca in New Zealand, enough for 50,000 people.

• The AstraZeneca vaccine will only be available at a limited number of sites across the country as Pfizer is the main COVID-19 vaccine we are using in New Zealand.

• From 26 November, bookings can be made for selected vaccination sites at https://bookmyvaccine.covid19.health.nz/ or by calling COVID Vaccination Healthline 0800 28 29 26.

• AstraZeneca is a two-dose viral vector COVID-19 vaccine, with a 4 to 12 week gap between dose 1 and dose 2.

• Work is well underway to prepare for the use of AstraZeneca in the immunisation programme. This includes workforce training and ensuring logistics measures are in place.

• To date, New Zealand’s COVID-19 immunisation programme has focused on rolling out the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, and we are now able to provide another COVID-19 vaccine option, AstraZeneca.

• Pfizer remains the preferred COVID-19 vaccine that we will be using in New Zealand.

AstraZeneca arrival • 100,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines arrived in New Zealand today (18 November) from the Australian manufacturing site.

• New Zealand signed a purchase agreement with AstraZeneca in December 2020 for 7.6 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. These 100,000 doses are part of this agreement.

• New Zealand, Australia and AstraZeneca have signed an arrangement which enables New Zealand to access these doses from the Australian manufacturing site for use in New Zealand.

• Medsafe approved the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in July 2021 for people aged 18 and older and has subsequently approved Australia as a manufacturing site for the vaccine.

• We are grateful to the Australian Government for their cooperation in securing timely access to these doses.

• The New Zealand Government also acknowledges AstraZeneca for its support of this arrangement.

General Q & As Why is it only available at a limited number of clinics?

We are starting with a small number of vaccines in comparison to Pfizer and will monitor uptake and supply. The AstraZeneca vaccine will only be available at a limited number of sites across the country as Pfizer is the main vaccine we are using in New Zealand. DHBs are in the process of identifying clinics that can easily be accessed in each region. This includes taking into account options for people with disabilities so that everyone can have access. If there is demand in an area where a clinic is not easily accessible, DHBs will be able to implement pop up clinics or mobile vaccinations as needed.

How many clinics will be available?

The Ministry of Health is working with DHBs to confirm the clinic locations and these will be available on BookMyVaccine on the 26th of November. Initially there will be approximately 60 clinics nationally and this may change as we understand the demand patterns.

How many people do you expect to access AstraZeneca?

It’s estimated that a few hundred people cannot have the Pfizer vaccine due to medical reasons.

Pfizer is the preferred COVID-19 vaccine in New Zealand, the AstraZeneca provides an option for those who want another option. It’s unclear what the uptake will be for the AZ vaccine. We are started with a small number of vaccines in comparison to Pfizer and will monitor uptake and supply.

We are scheduled to receive additional AZ in 2022 as per our purchase agreement.

How many people aged 18+ aren’t vaccinated yet?

As at 17 November there are 344,872 people over the age of 18 who are yet to be vaccinated.

Will there be another option for those under the age of 18 who don’t want Pfizer?

Pfizer is the only vaccine currently available in New Zealand for those under 18 (and aged over 12).

Is AstraZeneca approved for use in NZ? Yes, New Zealand purchased a portfolio of four COVID-19 vaccines to manage risk and provide options. So far, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines have received provisional approval from Medsafe.

What about the other 7.5 million doses of AZ? We continue to work closely with AstraZeneca to determine when they will be in a position to deliver the remaining doses. In September, 708,000 doses were donated to the COVAX Facility and have since been allocated and delivered to Indonesia and Samoa.

Why is the Government offering AZ as an option now?

We recognise that there is merit in providing an option for people who cannot receive the Pfizer vaccine, and those who want another option. We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to be vaccinated. Pfizer remains the preferred COVID-19 vaccine for use in New Zealand.

Why did we donate 708k AZ doses to COVAX if we needed them in New Zealand?

The initial tranche of vaccines from AstraZeneca were donated to the COVAX Facility as they were not required for New Zealand’s Immunisation Programme at the time. The COVAX Facility ensures that all countries will get access to COVID-19 vaccines, regardless of their wealth. It allocates doses equitably, and taking into account which countries have the capacity to receive and administer the vaccines. Pfizer is the preferred COVID-19 vaccine in New Zealand, the AstraZeneca provides an option for those who want another option. It’s unclear what the uptake will be for the AZ vaccine.

We are started with a small number of vaccines in comparison to Pfizer and will monitor uptake and supply. We are scheduled to receive additional AZ in 2022 as per our purchase agreement.

How are you going to prevent people under 18 from getting AZ? The NHI database holds information including date of birth. Consumers are matched to their NHI when they arrive at the appointment. This will be verified before vaccination appointments as part of the administration process, similar to Pfizer vaccinations for those who must be 12 years and older and other vaccinations with age limits. Additionally, if consumers make a booking and they are not old enough, the Ministry will endeavour to contact them in advance to discuss.

Will mix/match boosters be available or possible – e.g. 2x Pfizer doses followed by a booster with AstraZeneca vaccine or 1 dose of each?

Pfizer vaccine is the recommended booster dose regardless of what vaccine was used for earlier doses in New Zealand or overseas. Anyone who has had a serious adverse reaction to a dose of the Pfizer vaccine should discuss options with their healthcare professional.

If needed: An alternative AstraZeneca vaccine may be used for someone who had a significant adverse reaction (such as anaphylaxis or myocarditis) after a previous Pfizer vaccine dose.

How can I access AstraZeneca?

To book your appointment go to: BookMyVaccine.nz which will give you the option to choose AstraZeneca as your vaccine. A list of vaccination sites will be given where AstraZeneca can be given as not all sites are equipped to deliver this vaccine. If you’re unable to book online, you can call the COVID Vaccination Healthline on: 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week).