Updates on Astra Zeneca vaccine The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is being phased out. The last day people can get AstraZeneca is 4 September, it will no longer be available in New Zealand after that. Messages for health sector/contact centre • • • • • •
AstraZeneca will no longer be available in New Zealand after 4 September New Zealand does not have access to further AstraZeneca doses We will contact people who haven’t completed their AstraZeneca courses or who have yet to receive a booster to give them the opportunity to make a booking on or before 4 September. The last day people will be able to get the AstraZeneca vaccine is 4 September, as the vaccine stock expires the next day. It is still effective if administered on 4 September Novavax remains as the non-mRNA option for those not wanting or not being able to have a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. People unable to receive their AstraZeneca vaccination on or before 4 September or who are due their next AstraZeneca vaccination after that, should talk to their doctor or health provider about alternatives.
Messages for AstraZeneca consumers Supporting messages • • •
If you have had an AstraZeneca dose but have not finished your primary course or not had a booster and are now due for a further dose, you should make a booking as Astra Zeneca won’t be available in New Zealand after 4 September. However, if you cannot get up to date with your vaccinations by 4 September, you will still have access to Pfizer, or Novavax as a non-mRNA alternative. Please discuss alternative vaccines with your doctor or health provider
Supporting messages – why/when • • • •
Staying up to date with the recommended COVID-19 vaccinations will continue to protect you from the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation or death from COVID-19. You can only get your second booster six months after your first booster. If you have had COVID-19 recently you will need to wait at least 3 months after infection before having another COVID-19 vaccination. Both Novavax and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines have been extensively tested and are approved for use, and these options should be discussed with your doctor or health provider
Supporting messages – how/where •
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AstraZeneca is available at select vaccination centres with bookings needing to be made through BookMyVaccine on or before 4 September. If you select AstraZeneca the site will show a list of vaccination centres where they can be given, as not all sites are able to deliver AstraZeneca. If you have trouble finding a booking yourself then you can call 0800 28 29 26.