Published by Auckland, Counties Manukau and Waitematā DHBs on 25/03/2022 9:22:53 AM.

Booster dose update

Pfizer has recently applied to Medsafe to reduce the age of eligibility for booster doses. Currently only those 18+ are eligible. This application is currently being assessed by the Ministry of Health and a decision is expected in April 2022.

In the meantime, GPs may consider prescribing a booster dose for a 12 to 17-year-old if they are at high risk of a severe health outcome from getting COVID-19. This would be ‘off label’ usage of the vaccine and, therefore, require a consultation and prescription. These are free for the patient. We will let you know soon, via Medinz, about how to claim for this consultation.

Vaccine mandate remains in place for health and disability sector workers

The vaccine mandate for health and disability sector workers will remain in place after 4 April, when vaccine mandates for some other workers will cease. This because health and disability sector workers have a high level of contact with people at risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19.

More information will be available soon on the Ministry of Health’s website. See here for information about exemptions from mandatory vaccination.

Novavax vaccine

To help you answer questions about the Novavax vaccine, please see the attached ‘Everything you need to know about Novavax’ handout. You’ll also find this handout and other information about Novavax on the Ministry of Health’s website.

novovax-what-you-need-to-know 9march2022-final.pdf [314.3 KB]