Section guidance This section provides operational guidance on the vaccination pathway for the BioNTech/Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine, from booking and scheduling to vaccine preparation onto vaccine administration and observation. The first line vaccine where there are no contraindications is the Pfizer vaccine. The AstraZeneca vaccine is available as second line vaccine for consumers who meet the eligibility criteria.
Purpose The purpose of this section is guiding the vaccinating workforce to do the right thing and have the right resources and information available to provide a safe quality vaccination journey for every consumer. It is designed to be applicable to all sites delivering the COVID-19 vaccine and provide guidance and assistance to providers, to maintain public safety and ensure consistent and equitable vaccination practices are in place across New Zealand/Aotearoa. This section should be read and interpreted alongside the Immunisation Handbook 2020, the Standards, and IMAC resources. Appendices relevant to this section • Appendix G: Vaccination site screening questions • Appendix H: Supported decision-making process • Appendix I: Serious Adverse Event Process (process steps, SAC examples,
notification form)
Booking and scheduling Arrangements for the booking and scheduling of Group 1 consumers, including household contacts, will take place at the DHB or provider level. This will include booking and scheduling appointments for consumers to receive their second dose of the BioNTech/Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine. This should also include rescheduling second dose visits, if required, and providing a mechanism for people to reconfirm their appointment time (for example, if they lose their record card). It is a requirement that electronic booking systems are used by providers to book consumer vaccination appointments alternatively consumers can book appointments via Whakarongorau Aotearoa on 0800 28 29 26. Where a provider (including general practice, hauora providers, urgent care (primary care/hauora providers) and community pharmacy) does not have an operational electronic booking system, the provider must book appointments through the National Immunisation Booking System (NIBS). While providers with existing electronic booking systems may continue to book vaccination appointments through their own electronic booking systems, they may Version 34.0 Page 62
