COVID-19 vaccine updates for tāngata whaikaha and whānau

Before getting vaccinated

• Making a decision about getting the COVID-19 vaccine
• Need more support to make a decision about receiving COVID-19 vaccination?
• Can I get the vaccine if I have underlying health conditions?
• Preparing your loved one for vaccination and consent form
• 12-15 year olds can now be vaccinated with their whānau
• Why larger arms need a larger needle
• Social story for people on the spectrum: receiving the COVID-19 vaccine
• Animation: Need info about getting the vaccine?
• A new graphic online tool to help disabled people get vaccinated against COVID-19
• Guidance for talking with people affected by misinformation

Booking your vaccination

• Booster shots for the public
• Boosters: more information
• Third COVID-19 primary dose for people who have reduced abilities to fight illnesses and diseases
• Five ways to get the COVID-19 vaccine for you and your whānau
• Free trips to vaccination sites 
• Drive through vaccination at Papakura Marae
• Getting your second dose increases your protection

Mandatory vaccination 

• Exemptions and exceptions from mandatory vaccination
• Questions and Answers about support workers and vaccination requirements
• Mandatory vaccinations for other sectors
• Vaccine mandate will include boosters

My COVID-19 record

• Everything you need to know about your vaccine pass
• Get a hardcopy or printout of your vaccine pass
• Proof of vaccination

Information about the vaccine

• Novavax available at limited sites
• Children with disabilities aged 5 to 11 may be able to receive vaccination at home
• Special schools vaccination event in Auckland
• COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years
• Children vaccination information against COVID translated in Asian languages
• AstraZeneca available at limited sites
• All you need to know about COVID-19 vaccination for disabled people
• How does the vaccine work - in te reo
• What's in the COVID-19 vaccine?
• Simple overview of COVID-19 vaccines and their safety, despite being developed so fast
• Read up on COVID-19 vaccine info to help you plan and prepare
• What brand of vaccine are we getting in New Zealand
• Vaccines: how safe and effective are they?
• COVID-19 vaccine FAQs in nine Pacific languages
• FAQs for Pacific communities: COVID-19 and MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) immunisation and vaccination
• COVID-19 audio resources for Pacific people with vision impairments

Making a decision about having the COVID-19 vaccine

Last updated 16 September 2021

Here is a simplified easy read information and pictures on making a decision about having the COVID-19 vaccine. It also includes a decision-making tool that you can fill in yourself.  

For more easy read information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Ministry of Health website. 

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Need more support to make a decision about receiving the COVID-19 Vaccination?

Last updated 19 October 2021

Some people may require support to make a decision about receiving the Covid-19 Vaccination.

The Personal Advocacy and Safeguarding Adults Trust can work with disabled people nationwide who may require help with their decision about the Covid-19 vaccination. This includes people with a learning disability, neurodiversity or cognitive impairment.

• If you already have trusted whānau and supporters to help you make this decision, they can coach you on how to use a Supported Decision Making approach.
• If you do not have any other trusted whānau or supporters, they can help you to understand, make and record this important decision.

Contact them on 0800 728 7878 or email advocacy@PASAT.org.nz. 

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Can I get the vaccine if I have underlying health conditions? 

Last updated 29 November 2021

People with some underlying health conditions are more at risk if they get COVID-19. We recommend that you talk to your doctor or specialist to find out more about the two vaccines currently being offered in New Zealand- Pfizer and AstraZeneca. 

For more information, visit the Ministry of Health website or visit COVID.govt.nz. 

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Preparing your loved one for vaccination and consent form

Parents and carers, here's how you can prepare a loved one who might need extra support and strategies to have a successful vaccination experience.

Explore Behavioural Service created some really helpful resources, like using the "First-Then" approach (eg "First we will go to Granny's, then we'll go to the vaccine centre"), social script and breathing exercises.

FYI, here's what the vaccine COVID-19 consent form looks like, which needs to be completed on the day the vaccine is received. 

Published 16 July 2021   

12–15 year-olds can now be vaccinated with their whānau  

• Young people aged 12–15 will be able to join parents or caregivers getting their vaccination, making it easier for whānau to get vaccinated together.

• Medsafe gave provisional approval for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for 12–15-year-olds in Aotearoa in June. The government has now approved the vaccine for use for 12–15-year-olds.

• From Friday 20 August, as parents or guardians become eligible to book their vaccine, they can also book any 12–15-year-olds in their whānau.

• People who already have a booking may be able to add to an existing booking or make an additional booking for their 12-15-year-old.

• At this stage, the COVID-19 vaccine will not be available to children through their school-based vaccination programme. We will keep you updated on any changes in that area.

• To make or change a booking:
• go to BookMyVaccine.nz  
• phone the COVID Vaccination Healthline 0800 28 29 26, (8am-8pm, 7 days a week)

• If you’ve already booked directly with your GP or pharmacy, talk to them about adding whānau members.

Published 20 August 2021

Why larger arms need a larger needle

If you’re a larger person with larger arms, you may have been given vaccines with a longer needle than someone smaller than you.

That’s because a longer needle gives vaccinators a better chance of getting the vaccine where it needs to go. The Pfizer vaccine is an intramuscular injection, meaning the needle needs to be able to get deep into the muscle in your upper arm. 

Most, but not all, vaccines are injected into muscle, as muscle tissue contains important immune cells. Injecting the vaccine into muscle tissue allows those immune cells to sound the alarm to other immune cells to get to work.

Some people are larger because they have a lot of muscle, while others have a lot of fat, but vaccinators will make a call on what size needle to use depending on the arm in front of them. 

This is an edited version of an article, Why larger arms need a larger needle for the Covid-19 vaccine. It’s part of The Whole Truth a COVID-19 fact checking series on the Stuff website written with the support of an expert advisory panel.

It is common for people to display some angst towards needles. But most people appreciate the benefits of vaccination. Having a conversation with the person and encouraging them to say why they are having the vaccination helps strengthen their commitment. IMAC has a useful factsheet that provides recommendations around managing vaccinations of people who are fearful of needles.

Published 20 August 2021

Social story for people on the spectrum: receiving the COVID-19 vaccine

Last updated 18 October 2021

Social stories provide a visual explanation of what to expect when getting the vaccine for COVID-19 and what you may experience after getting the vaccine. Check out this social story from Autism NZ that can help people prepare before getting the vaccine. 

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Animation: Need info about getting the vaccine

Last updated 2 November 2021

Here's a short animation of people's pathway to get the vaccine, from supported decision making and getting supported options to access the vaccine. 

Animation transcript:

Need info about getting the vaccine? Tiaki supports Auckland disabled people. 

Vaccination options

• Walk-in or drive-through. Visit healthpoint.co.nz for your nearest vaccination centre. 
• Your Doctor. Speak with your doctor, many are able to vaccinate. 
• Home vaccination. Call us 0800 824 5874 or email tiaki@taikura.org.nz if all other options are not feasible.

Need support to make a decision?

The Personal Advocacy and Safeguarding Adults Trust can work with disabled people nationwide who may require help with their decision about the COVID-19 vaccination. This includes people with:

• a learning disability
• neurodiversity
• cognitive impairment

Contact them on 0800 728 7878 or email advocacy@PASAT.org.nz.

Need more information? 

Call the nationwide vaccination hotline dedicated for disabled people on 0800 11 12 13. 

Let us play our part and get vaccinated.

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Guidance for talking with people affected by misinformation

Last updated 29 November 2021

New animated resource A Brief History of Misinformation offers advice and guidance for talking with those close to you being affected by misinformation, and what to do if you come across misinformation in social media.

Misinformation is a growing and complex issue. A Brief History of Misinformation offers a calm and practical approach to reduce the tension in discussions with whanau and family, friends, communities and workplaces.

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Booster shots for the public

Last updated 22 December 2021

Free Pfizer booster shots will be available from Monday 29 November 2021 for those who had their second dose six months ago.

From 26 November you can make a booking using Book My Vaccine.

You can also get booster doses at a walk-in clinic, pharmacy or your GP.

Note that the third primary dose is different from a booster shot. The third primary dose is for people who are severely immunocompromised or people who have reduced abilities to fight off illnesses and infections.  

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Boosters: more information 

Last updated 3 February 2022

Why do you need a booster? 

Current evidence shows that antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 wane over time following the second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. There is a reduction in protection against infection, particularly from 6 months after a primary vaccination course. 

When do I need to get my booster

Cabinet has agreed to reduce the timeframe for people to get their boosters from six months after their second dose, to at least three months. This shorter timeframe will start on 4 February 2022. 

Will it protect me against Omicron? 

Although only based on laboratory studies of how someone’s antibodies react to Omicron, the early signs are that protection against severe disease is likely to be retained. Protection against infection and mild to moderate disease decreases more quickly over time. This is one of the reasons why we’ve considered it appropriate to allow the third dose ahead of the prior 6 month gap. We will continue to watch this space as the real-world data on vaccine effectiveness against Omicron is published. 

Am I increasing my chances of myocarditis by having a third dose? 

Data from Israel shows that after more than 2.8 million administered third doses, 19 serious adverse events have been reported, of which 2 have been confirmed as linked, though there is likely underreporting in this data. Only one case of myocarditis has been reported and is under investigation, in a male older than 30 years, however most younger individuals have had limited follow up time.  

Why the focus on older people first? 

A COVID-19 vaccine booster dose administered at 3 months or more after completion of the primary vaccine course has been demonstrated to boost the immune response (e.g. neutralising antibody) and is expected to increase protection against infection and disease, particularly in older people where waning appears more marked. 

Why is the booster not for those under 18? 

In those under 18 years of age, severe COVID-19 is uncommon, and the primary course of COVID-19 vaccines generates a strong immune response. Therefore, the benefit from additional doses of vaccine is thought to be to be small. In addition, there is currently only very limited data on the safety of a booster dose in this age group.  

What about pregnant people? 

Pregnant people aged 18 and older can receive the Pfizer booster vaccine at any stage of pregnancy, at least 3 months after the second dose, and are encouraged to discuss the timing of their booster with their midwife, obstetrician or general practitioner.

Booster doses are not currently required for the public to get a My Vaccine Pass. For more information, visit the Ministry of Health website. 

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Third COVID-19 primary dose for people who have reduced abilities to fight illnesses and diseases

Last updated 17 January 2022

People with weak immune systems have a higher risk of getting serious infection if they're exposed to COVID-19. That's why people who have reduced abilities to fight illnesses and diseases can now get a third COVID-19 vaccine dose. 

What's the difference between a third primary dose and booster? We use the word ‘booster’ when referring to general population. ‘Third primary dose’ is currently used when referencing the dose for people who are severely immunocompromised. 

• A third primary dose vaccine cannot be prescribed or administered to anyone who does not meet the criteria set out in the Policy Statement.
• The third primary dose must be administered at least 8 weeks following the second dose. 
• People eligible for a third primary dose can access a booster fourth dose 4 months after receiving their third primary dose.
• Patients must show a script from a medical practitioner and a written consent form (co-signed by the medical practitioner) to receive a third primary dose.
• The third primary dose can be administered at all vaccination clinics. 
• The standard two-dose course of vaccine should be offered to any eligible unvaccinated household contacts aged 12 and over, of severely immunocompromised individuals.
• The Ministry of Health has published the requirements to be eligible for a third dose. For more information go to their website. 

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Five ways to get the COVID-19 vaccine for you and your whānau 

Last updated 30 November 2021

There are five ways to go about it: 

1. Walk-in 

People with disabilities and their family can turn up at walk-in or drive-through vaccination sites without a booking. Please tell the people at the vaccination centre of any special needs so they can support you the best way possible. 

If you need transport support or have any questions, please call our Tiaki service on 0800 824 58 72 and we'll get it sorted. 

2. Home vaccination

We can book your home vaccinations. Please give us a call on 0800 824 58 72. Home visits are Monday to Friday 9am to 3.30pm. 

3.  Call 0800 11 12 13

This vaccination hotline is especially for disabled people and their carers. You will receive tailored advice and support for booking your vaccination appointments, including assistance with coordinating transport to and from the vaccination site and arranging the necessary support/accommodations during the appointment.

Whakarongorau Aotearoa who run the COVID Vaccination Healthline has employed team members who are either disabled people themselves or who are allies to the disability community across Aotearoa.

It is available from 8am – 8pm, 7 days a week, and they can make the booking for you and answer any questions.

Translation services are available if you need them.

Be ready, and have your NHI on hand if you can. 
When you call, it’s a good idea to have your NHI number handy.
You don’t need it to book but it will make the process quicker for
you. You’ll find your NHI number on a prescription, x-ray or test
result, or a letter from the hospital.

4. Go to bookmyvaccine.covid19.health.nz 

You can use this link to book your free vaccination.

If you need help with your booking please phone the vaccination helpline on 0800 11 12 13 or you can email NRHCCVAXENQUIRIES@adhb.govt.nz. 

5. Text 8988 for free

You can text 8988 to get more vaccine information, book a vaccination appointment or support with transport. This is the SMS number for the disability COVID Vaccination Healthline team and they are available between 8am and 8pm from Monday to Friday.  

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

I need a sign language interpreter.

If you need a sign language interpreter please email NRHCCVAXENQUIRIES@adhb.govt.nz or let us know--we can book your vaccination appointment and sign language interpreter for you at the same time.

Where are the vaccination centres in Auckland? Are they accessible? 

If you don’t know where to get your vaccine please have a look at this immunisation website or Karawhiua. You can see the accessibility and transport options for each Vaccination Centre.

I can't leave my home to have my vaccination. 

We can organise home vaccination for you. Call us on 0800 824 5872.  Alternatively, you can use 0800 11 12 13. 

Can I get my COVID-19 vaccine at a GP or pharmacy?

Some GPs and pharmacies are offering COVID-19 vaccinations, which may be an option for people with underlying medical conditions. You can check if your GP or local pharmacy is offering the COVID-19 vaccination by visiting www.healthpoint.co.nz.

I need more information before I decide to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Here is an easy read version with pictures on making a decision about getting the COVID-19 vaccine. It also includes a decision-making tool that you can fill in yourself. For more easy read information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Ministry of Health website.

How can I prepare a loved one from receiving the vaccine?

Explore Behavioural Service created some helpful resources for people who need extra support and strategies to have a successful vaccination experience.

Where can I find more information created for people with disabilities about the COVID-19 vaccine?

Our website has a collection of resources from the Ministry of Health and COVID19.govt.nz especially designed for people with disabilities. Just keep scrolling down. 

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Thank you for helping to protect your whānau, aiga, community and the country from COVID-19. The more people who are vaccinated, the greater our protection as a community.

Remember – there’s enough of the vaccine for everyone. 

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Free trips to vaccination sites 

Last updated 8 October 2021

Co-op taxis offer free trips to vaccination sites for anyone requiring their 1st Pfizer dose. 

Call 0800 11 12 13 to confirm your eligibility and vaccination status. If you're eligible, the operator will book you directly into the taxi's system and go from there. Make sure you let them know of any special mobility requirements, like if you're a wheelchair user, so they can look into booking a larger vehicle for you. 

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Drive through vaccination at Papakura Marae

Published 8 September 2021

Papakura Marae has set up a drive through clinic for disabled whanau and those with mental health concerns.

The clinic is open from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm Monday to Friday at 29 Hunua Rd Papakura.

Fill up your car with whanau including your disabled whanau and you will all get vaccinated.

You don’t have to book. Try to be there by 2 pm latest so you can be processed. Just turn up. Bring the whanau.

Tell the security guard that you have disabled whanau in the car and they will direct you where to go.

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Getting your second dose increases your protection 

Last updated 6 October 2021

Both doses of the Pfizer vaccine (Comirnaty) are the same. The second dose increases your protection – giving you better and likely longer-lasting immunity than the first dose alone.

You’ll need two doses, at least 3 weeks apart. For more information, go to the Ministry of Health website.

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Exemptions and exceptions from mandatory vaccination

Last updated 18 November 2021

Health and disability workers and education workers are required to have their first doses by 15 November.

In some situations, health and disability workers may be able to get an exemption from being vaccinated against COVID-19.

View the map of the exemption process and find out more about the eligibility criteria for vaccine exemption and exceptions or visit the Ministry of Health page for more detailed information. 

Keep checking this post for more information on how you can have a conversation with your support worker about this requirements. 

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Questions and Answers about support workers and vaccination requirements

Last updated 9 November 2021

I purchase my own support through individualised funding. Must my support workers be vaccinated?

All people who are employed or engaged as care and support workers are required to have had their first vaccination by 15 November 2021, and their second vaccination by 1 January 2022. This applies whether the care and support workers are employed or engaged by a provider, or by a disabled person through individualised funding arrangements.

I use my Carer Support funding to pay for a relief carer. Must the relief carer be vaccinated?

A relief carer who is paid through Carer Support funding is required to be vaccinated if they are employed or engaged as a care and support worker. 

Must people who are paid as family carers be vaccinated?

People who are employed or engaged to provide care and support to a family member will need to be vaccinated.

Where do I send questions to?

If you have any questions related to the order, you can send these to healthorders@health.govt.nz. 

For more information visit the Ministry of Health website. 

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Mandatory vaccinations for other sectors

Last updated 19 November 2021

For Early Childhood Education (ECE), please view this map from the Ministry of Education. We understand that the map might not be accessible to all, and suggest that you talk to your ECE provider if you have any questions. 

Schools and Kura, please view this map from the Ministry of Education. We understand that the map might not be accessible to all, and suggest that you talk to your school or kura if you have any questions. 

For employment and business advise, please visit the following:

• Business NZ: COVID-19 vaccinations: Q+A for employers — business.govt.nz
• MBIE: Vaccines and the workplace » Employment New Zealand
• WorkSafe: Assessing whether a specific role needs to be performed by a vaccinated worker | WorkSafe

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Vaccine mandate will include boosters

Last updated 22 December 2021

Cabinet has agreed in principle that where workers are required to be vaccinated, this mandate will now extend to boosters. Initially, this will be for those workers who are most likely to come into contact with Omicron: our border and health workers. These people will be required to have their boosters by the end of January, or no later than six months after their second dose for those who have only recently been fully vaccinated. It will then apply to all others covered by a mandate from 1 March 2022. For more information, visit the Beehive website.

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Everything you need to know about your vaccine pass

Last updated 13 December 2021

COVID.govt.nz has information on

• how to get the vaccine pass for a group of people in your care
• how to save a pass to your phone or get a print out
• vaccination appointment cards

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Get a hardcopy of your vaccine pass

Last updated 29 November 2021

Here's what you can do to get a hardcopy or printed out version of your vaccine pass:

Proof of vaccination 

Last updated 19 November 2021

Everyone in New Zealand will be able to access a scannable QR code as proof of vaccination and COVID-19 test results.

This will help ensure we are reducing the risk of the virus spreading at large gatherings and events.

You'll be able to either print or save the QR codes on your smartphone in your Apple or Google Wallet.

There will be separate codes for domestic and international verification of vaccination records and COVID-19 test results.

The vaccination pass will give people access to businesses that choose to provide access only to vaccinated people, such as bars, restaurants, gyms, big events or domestic airlines, when the Protection Framework comes in to effect.

Visit My COVID-19 record to create your health account or go to the Ministry of Health website for more information about COVID-19 vaccine certificates. 

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Novavax available at limited sites

Last updated 11 March

Novavax will be available for people aged over 18. It requires 2 doses, with a 3 week gap. It has not been approved as a booster dose.

While the Pfizer vaccine remains the preferred COVID-19 vaccine in New Zealand, Novavax is now available for those people who would prefer, or require, an alternative.

People are able to book a Novavax vaccine through BookMyVaccine(external link) or by calling 0800 28 29 26 from Thursday 10 March, with the first vaccine appointments available at a limited number of sites from Monday 14 March. 

For more info, go to Novavax vaccine | health.govt.nz.

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Children with disabilities aged 5 to 11 may be able to receive vaccination at home

Last updated 19 January 2022

If your child has a disability, our Tiaki COVID-19 programme can support them to access the vaccine. Call us on 0800 824 5872 or email tiaki@taikura.org.nz. 

Only Pfizer vaccines have been approved by Medsafe to be given to tamariki in New Zealand. Medsafe only approve a vaccine in Aotearoa once they are satisfied it has met strict standards for safety, efficacy and quality.

We have more information about COVID-19 vaccine for young people or you can go to the Ministry of Health website or COVID.govt.nz to find out more. 

Our Tiaki programme has been supporting disabled people in Auckland and their whānau to access the vaccine or get more information to help them with their decision-making. Through our partnership with the Northern Regional Health Coordination Centre (NRHCC) and other Auckland based providers, we're able to support vaccination initiatives that protect people from COVID-19.  

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Special schools vaccination event  

Last updated 18 January 2022

The Northern Regional Health Coordination Centre (NRHCC), which is managing the vaccination roll out in Auckland, are scheduling outreach vaccination events at specialist disability schools for 5-11 year olds, boosters for 18-21 year olds, and boosters for those living in disability group homes at present.

If you have a child in a special school or in disability group home, please contact your school or provider for more information about the vaccination support they can receive. 

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COVID-19 vaccine for childen aged 5 to 11 years

Last updated 17 January 2022

Parents and caregivers have the opportunity to protect their tamariki aged 5 to 11 against COVID-19, by being immunised with a child (paediatric) formulation of the Pfizer vaccine.

The vaccine used for tamariki is a children’s version of the Pfizer vaccine, with a lower dose and smaller volume.

Tamariki need two doses of the vaccine to be fully protected. It is recommended that these are given at least 8 weeks apart. The interval can be shortened to a minimum of 21 days if needed, for example if your child is starting significant immunosuppression treatment.

The Ministry of Health recommends immunising your child to keep them safe and to help protect your whānau and community from COVID-19.

How the programme will run 

• Health officials are planning for a rollout across the motu starting 17 January.  
• The Ministry of Health is working with iwi, DHBs, hauora providers, and community organisations to roll out the Pfizer vaccine to children in ways that suit whānau and communities. If you wish for your child to be immunised, your child will receive the Pfizer COVID-19 children’s vaccine. It has the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to adults, but as a smaller dosage. 
• Some immunisation clinics may also offer other childhood immunisations such as MMR. It is okay to get several vaccines at the same time.

Benefits of immunisation  

• Immunisation is an important way we keep tamariki safe, like being sun smart or wearing a seatbelt. 
• It protects your tamariki from many serious diseases and stops disease spreading within your whānau and the community. In Aotearoa, children get free vaccinations against 12 diseases, including whooping cough (pertussis), measles and polio.

Benefits of immunisation against COVID-19 

• The COVID-19 virus can be unpredictable. While COVID-19 generally has milder effects in children, with symptoms being similar to a cold, some tamariki become severely ill and require hospitalisation. In addition, tamariki can have rare complications such as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) that may require intensive care. Tamariki can also suffer long term effects (known as long COVID), even after mild cases of COVID-19. 
• Like adults, if your tamariki are infected with COVID-19 they may transmit the virus to other people. Immunising 5 to 11-year-old tamariki helps protect whānau members whose health makes them more vulnerable to COVID-19.

Safety of the Pfizer vaccine 

• The Pfizer vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds has been through clinical trials with tamariki in this age group. In general, the side effects that were reported were mild, didn’t last long, and were similar to side effects from other routine vaccines. 
• The vaccine is recommended for tamariki with food allergies. Unlike some other vaccines, there is no food, gelatin or latex in the Pfizer vaccine.
• The only reason that someone may not be able to have this vaccine due to allergy is if they have had a severe allergic response (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the Pfizer vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine. The child (paediatric) Pfizer vaccine has gone through the same rigorous approval process as other routine childhood vaccines. No clinical trials were skipped and no corners were cut in the testing of its safety.
• In Aotearoa New Zealand, Medsafe has granted provisional approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years old. Medsafe only grants approval for a vaccine or medicine once it is satisfied that it has met internationally-agreed criteria for quality, safety and efficacy.
• Cabinet has now approved the decision to use the child (paediatric) vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years old following advice from the Ministry of Health with guidance from the COVID-19 Vaccine Technical Advisory Group (CV TAG).  A group of New Zealand paediatricians including leading Māori and Pacific clinicians were consulted by CV-TAG to prepare this guidance.
• The FDA in the United States and the TGA in Australia have also granted provisional approval or emergency use authorisation for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5 to 11 year olds. The vaccine is currently being rolled out in the United States to this age group.

Preparing your tamariki for vaccination 

1. Provide encouragement to help your tamariki feel relaxed 
2. Make sure they have had something to eat and drink
3. Check they’re wearing clothes that make it easy to see and access their upper arm.

• If they’re a little nervous, they’re welcome to take something to the appointment that will distract them, like a soft toy or phone. 
• If your tamariki have had previous reactions to immunisations, let your vaccinator know, speak to your whānau doctor prior to the appointment, or talk to a trained advisor on the COVID Vaccination Healthline - 0800 28 29 26.

Consent 

• A parent, caregiver or legal guardian will need to accompany your child to their appointment(s) as the responsible adult and provide consent for them to be immunised.
• At the appointment both the adult and child can ask as many questions as they like.
• Read the policy statement for children aged 5 to 11 years getting the vaccine. 

Side effects 

As with any immunisation, your child is likely to have a sore arm and get redness, pain or swelling at the injection site. Other reactions that can occur, usually within one or two days, include:  

• headache
• a fever (feeling hot) 
• nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, diarrhoea 
• fatigue
• general discomfort (feeling unwell, aches and pains).

These are common and show that the vaccine is working. Encouraging rest and offering plenty of fluids will help.  

Severe reactions to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are very rare and usually occur straight away after the vaccination. For this reason, you and your child will be put in an observation area for monitoring by clinical staff to ensure they receive any medical treatment if this occurs.  

Signs of severe allergic reaction can include: 

• difficulty breathing  
• swelling of the face and throat 
• a fast heartbeat  
• a bad rash all over the body  
• dizziness and weakness

If you notice your child experiencing any of these symptoms let clinical staff know immediately. If you are not at a vaccination site, call 111. 

Myocarditis and pericarditis are very rare but serious side effects of the Pfizer vaccine. In the clinical trials no cases were seen in children aged 5 to 11 years old, however it is important to be aware of the symptoms for all ages who are vaccinated. If your child has any of the following symptoms in the days or weeks after being vaccinated, get medical help right away. 

Symptoms of myocarditis and pericarditis: 

• discomfort, heaviness, tightness or pain in their chest
• difficulty breathing 
• feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart
• feeling faint, light-headed or dizzy

Book or walk in 

COVID-19 immunisations are free for everyone. Parents or caregivers can go to a walk-in clinic with their tamariki or use BookMyVaccine.nz to get immunised with their usual health provider, hauora, or general practice (make sure you select the appropriate age range). 

If you want to book for more than one child or 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) and we’ll make the booking for you and answer any questions. Interpreters are available. 

Tamariki with disabilities 

The disability team is available Monday to Friday, from 8am to 8pm. They will support your whānau and can book an immunisation appointment for you. They can answer any questions you may have about your child’s needs including accessibility, free transport options, or any effects the vaccine may have on your child.  

• Call: 0800 11 12 13 
• Free text: 8988
• Email: accessiblecovidvaccinations@whakarongorau.nz

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How is this different to the COVID-19 vaccine that is already available to people aged 12 and over? The vaccine used for tamariki is a children’s version of the Pfizer vaccine, with a lower dose and smaller volume.

• How is this different to the COVID-19 vaccine that is already available to people aged 12 and over? The vaccine used for tamariki is a children’s version of the Pfizer vaccine, with a lower dose and smaller volume. Tamariki need two doses of the vaccine to be fully protected.

More information 

For more information and links to research, visit the Ministry of Health website, Karawhiua, Ministry for Pacific Peoples and COVID.govt.nz.  

Have questions about the vaccine? Talk to a trained advisor on the COVID Vaccination Healthline - 0800 28 29 26 - between 8am–8pm, 7 days a week.   

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Children vaccination information translated in Asian languages

Last updated 1 February 2021

The Asian Network Incorporated (TANI) provides translated information about vaccinating children against COVID. Translations are available in Chinese, Japanese, Burmese, Vietnamese, Khmer, Korean for Booster, and Korean for children vaccination.

Visit their website for more information. 

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Vaccination sites offering AstraZeneca vaccine

29 November 2021

Currently, here are the vaccination sites offering AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. To learn more about AstraZeneca, visit the Ministry of Health website. As always, please talk to your doctor if this vaccine is an option for you. 

Ōtara Vaccination Centre
5 Otara Rd, Otara

Airport Park and Ride Drive Through Vaccination Centre
42 Verissimo Drive, Māngere

Mt Wellington Vaccination Centre
95 -105 Leonard Road, Mount Wellington

Tāmaki Vaccination Centre
261 Morrin Road, St Johns

Westgate Vaccination Centre
7-11 Westgate Drive

Orewa Vaccination Centre
Orewa Service Centre, 50 Centreway Road, Orewa

Click here to locate the vaccination centres and plan your trip.

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All you need to know about COVID-19 vaccination for disabled people

Last updated 8 October 2021

Check out this video of Disability Connect’s Support Group meeting with Dr Rosie Marks and Dr Marguerite Dalton. Both Drs Rosie and Marguerite are medical specialists with many years of service to disabled people and their families.

In this presentation they explain the science behind the changing nature of the COVID-19 virus, different vaccines available and the make-up of these vaccines including the one that is being offered to us in New Zealand.

All aspects of vaccination are explored, including safety, with key considerations for disabled people and their families.

The video is 75 minutes long. The link to the video is here: All you need to know about COVID-19 vaccination for disabled people

The slides from the presentation are available: here

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How does the vaccine work - in te reo

Last updated 15 September 2021

IMAC have shared a short video in te reo Māori answering the most common pātai we hear about the COVID-19 vaccine: How does it work?

This information can help inform whānau and alleviate them of any anxieties they have towards the vaccine. What’s even better is that this entire video is in te reo Māori.

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What’s in the COVID-19 vaccine?

Last updated 17 September 2021

If you want to know what’s in the Pfizer vaccine and what’s not, there’s useful information on the Ministry of Health website. This includes a full list of vaccine ingredients and a video about how the vaccine works. Quick fact check: did you know that the Pfizer vaccine doesn’t contain any live, dead or deactivated viruses. There are no animal products in it either.

Have a look at our COVID-19: How the vaccine works web page.

A recently released video NZ Vaccine facts: what is an mRNA vaccine? also looks at the vaccine. It’s the third in a series of eight videos being released over the next few weeks.

You’ll find the NZ Vaccine Facts series on YouTube.

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Simple overview of COVID-19 vaccines and their safety, despite being developed so fast

“Why did it take so fast to create the vaccine?” is one of the most frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Here’s a video of Dr Ashley Bloomfield explaining clearly how we got there so fast.

Take time to watch Dr Rawiri provide advice on trusted information sources and recognising and avoiding misinformation.

Published 9 April 2021

Read up on COVID-19 vaccine info to help you plan and prepare

Last updated 16 September 2021

What to expect, what you need to know, and what happens after your vaccination--read up on the resources available on COVID19.govt.nz. 

Easy read, sign language, large print and audio

Alternate formats regarding COVID-19 vaccine

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What brand of vaccine are we getting in New Zealand?

Last updated 22 December 2021

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was initially the only
vaccine approved by Medsafe as being safe and effective for use in New Zealand. This was based on the fact the Pfizer vaccine has been shown to be about 95 percent effective at preventing symptomatic infection.

It also means all New Zealanders will have the chance to access the same vaccine.

The Government has since approved the use of AstraZeneca for people who want to have a different option.

If you're curious about how COVID-19 vaccines work, visit COVID19.govt.nz for general information on COVID-19 vaccines. The resource is translated in several languages. 

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Vaccines: how safe and effective are they?

Last updated 16 September 2021

Many experts can provide evidence that the vaccines provide a significant layer is protecting people from COVID-19. But some members of our community may still feel anxious about vaccinations, especially when they don't have the right information about it. 

There are some very relevant kōrero on Te Ao with Moana (Māori TV) on vaccines. In this story, clinical immunologists Dr Anthony Jordan and Dr Maia Brewerton join Dr Rawiri Jansen and Moana to explore why some whânau are nervous about COVID-19 and the vaccination.

There are lots of information out there about vaccines. Remember: vaccines are medicines. If you have any questions about them, talk to your GP or specialist. It's also important to look for information from credible online sources like the NZ Ministry of Health website, Immunisation Advisory Centre and the World Health Organisation. 

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COVID-19 vaccine FAQs in nine Pacific languages 

Last updated 16 September 2021

The Ministry for Pacific Peoples and Ministry of Health ran a nationwide fono with the Pacific church and community leaders in early March.

At the fono, the Pacific community raised some of the most important COVID-19 vaccine questions they have. In response, a team of experts, including clinical teams from the Ministry of Health, have provided credible and easy to understand information to help people learn know more about the vaccine. 

The FAQ is available in English, Te Reo Māori, Cook Islands Māori, Vosa Vakaviti, Kiribati, Vagahau Niue, Fäeag Rotųam, Gagana Samoa, Te Gagana Tokelau, Lea Faka Tonga, Te Gana Tuvalu.

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Vaccination helpline for people with disabilities 

Last updated 7 October 2021

If you or your loved one is needing information or transport to access the vaccine there is now a designated helpline for people with impairments operating Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm. Please call 0800 11 12 13. 

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FAQs for Pacific communities: COVID-19 and MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) immunisation and vaccination

Many people in our communities are looking forward to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine to protect them from getting and spreading COVID. If you still need more information before making a decision, please make sure to get them from a credible source. 

Here's a COVID and MMR FAQs (frequently asked questions) from the Ministry of Health especially created for our Pacific communities. 

The FAQs answers:

• How can the COVID-19 vaccine be safe? It’s all happening so quickly.
• If the COVID-19 vaccines work and be safe for Pacific people?
• If it is safe to have the MMR vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?

The Ministry of Health is also encouraging Pacific communities not to forget about the MMR vaccine. Numbers show Pasifika in New Zealand are about seven times more likely to catch measles. 

The Ministry of Health will publish the FAQ in other Pacific languages, and we'll make sure to share it here once it is available. 

Published 8 March 2021

COVID-19 audio resources for Pacific people with vision impairments

Last updated 8 October 2021

Here are audio resources about COVID-19 in English and eight Pacific languages.

It talks about:

• What is COVID-19?
• What happens when the vaccine is injected into my body?
• Is the vaccine safe?

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A new graphic online tool to help disabled people get vaccinated against COVID-19

Last updated 28 October 2021

Download the PDF copy (528 KB)

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