Section C: AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine

Section C: Summary of Changes

Version Date Section

30 17/12/21 Section C

Summary of Changes

Astra-Zeneca Table colours amended

Pathway to vaccination

Section guidance

This section is read in conjunction with Pfizer Vaccine section. This section provides additional operational guidance on the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine vaccination pathway, from booking and scheduling to vaccine preparation onto vaccine administration and observation.

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.

The key safety points are:

• Approved for use for people aged 18 years or over • AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine does not need to be diluted on site

• There are 10 doses per vial The Ministry recommends vaccination to everyone of eligible age in Aotearoa New Zealand. 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. A prescription from an authorised prescriber is recommended when using the AstraZeneca vaccine as a booster dose or dose 2 of their primary course (i.e., following a non-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for dose 1), in accordance with Section 25 of The Medicines Act 1981, as it is considered off-label use. Written consent is

required for all consumers receiving a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. This Programme requirement will be regularly reviewed.

This section is designed to be applicable to sites delivering the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine and provides 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 the AstraZeneca Vaccine can be found in the National Immunisation Booking System.

18.5 Booking second doses

Do not vaccinate less than 28 days

• The administration of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine at an interval of

less than 28 days is not approved by Medsafe and is considered off-label use and must be reported to CARM.

• New bookings made through bookmyvaccine.nz and the COVID-19 Vaccine

Whakarongorau Aotearoa 0800 28 29 26.

• Doses can be booked for any time after day 28.