COVID-19 vaccines

The Government has a comprehensive plan to access safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for New Zealanders.

Recent news

The Government has secured 2 new vaccines, with 15 million vaccine courses pre-ordered so far.

Latest update on the Government securing 2 new vaccines

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 4 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 COVID-19 vaccines into New Zealand (external link)