COVID-19 vaccines
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Our COVID-19 vaccine strategy
Our approach is to ensure we have flexibility and choice so we can secure the right vaccines for New Zealand and support our Pacific neighbours.
We’ve made good progress.
We’ve:
- joined the global COVAX Facility
- begun negotiating a series of independent purchasing agreements with pharmaceutical companies, with 1 already concluded
- invested in our local manufacturing capability
- supported Vaccine Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand to establish a national development and screening programme for potential COVID-19 vaccines.
Find out more about our COVID-19 vaccine strategy (external link)
Availability of COVID-19 vaccines
We do not know when COVID-19 vaccines will be available to New Zealanders, but we are working to mid-to-late 2021. We will know more about timing as potential vaccines move through clinical trials and safety testing.
Ensuring COVID-19 vaccines are safe
Our priority is to ensure we have access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.
Medsafe must approve any vaccine before it can be provided to the community. Medsafe is an agency that regulates medicines in New Zealand, including vaccines.
Medsafe’s evaluation and approval process for bringing medicines into New Zealand (external link)
Video: COVID-19 vaccine availability and safety
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