Booking and scheduling

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

choose to opt-in to the NIBS. The Ministry will support NIBS onboarding and training for providers planning to use the NIBS.

For more information, see Section C: Additional Programme Guidance, Variations, and Incidents for:

• Affected persons under the Vaccinations Order • Vaccinating Household Contacts • National Immunisation Booking System (NIBS)

Ensure that the scheduling of vaccination appointments avoid over-crowding and allow for physical distancing and other IPC measures. Also, limit the number of accompanying people to only those who need assistance, whether physical or psychosocial.

13.1 Booking second doses

Do not vaccinate less than 21 days

• The administration of the BioNTech/Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine at an interval of less than 21 days is not approved by Medsafe and is considered off-label use and must be reported to CARM. • In the context of the current Delta outbreak, the Ministry recommends receiving the second dose as soon as practical after the minimum 21 days. • New bookings made through bookmyvaccine.nz and the COVID-19 Vaccine

Whakarongorau Aotearoa 0800 28 29 26 is set to three weeks between the two doses. • If consumers have existing vaccination bookings, they can keep their second appointment as it is, or choose to change it. Either way the important thing is that consumers receive two doses of the vaccine to be fully vaccinated. • Doses can be booked for any time after day 21.

Administering leftover vaccines

To minimise wastage, the Ministry recommends the preparation of a back-up/stand-by list of consumers aligning to the sequencing framework. Leftover diluted and/or drawn vaccine unused at the end of the shift that would expire before the next clinic, may be administered to consumers on the back-up/stand-by list.

The Ministry does not require visibility of the back-up/stand-by list; use best judgement to manage this list as to align with the sequencing framework.