COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said today that a third type of COVID-19 vaccination will be available to New Zealanders soon. "Following Cabinet approval yesterday, the Novavax COVID-19 vaccination will be offered to people aged 18 and over," Chris Hipkins said. "While the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine remains the preferred vaccine of most New Zealanders, the advent of Novavax will provide some people with the additional incentive they need to get vaccinated against COVID-19."
"With the launch of Novavax, there's no reason to doubt that New Zealand will continue to increase its immunisation rates." We're currently one of the world's most vaccinated countries, with 95% of people aged 12 and above vaccinated, and we can go much higher, making us all safer. "New Zealand officials are working with Novavax to finalise the supply timetable and rollout start date, and the first doses are expected to arrive this month."
"In the meantime, preparations for the use of Novavax in the vaccination programme are underway." This involves personnel training and ensuring that logistics procedures are in place to ensure that individuals who want the Novavax vaccine will be able to get it.
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