The flu vaccine will be prioritised for high-risk Kiwis for an additional two weeks, the Government has announced.
As health officials fight to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19 which has infected more than 1.4 million people globally and 1260 here in New Zealand, vulnerable groups have been asked to get vaccinated to limit the chance of getting the flu and putting pressure on the health system. The vaccination campaign began early this year to give people as much time as possible to get the jab.
Those considered high-risk - people aged 65 and over, pregnant, with chronic conditions, healthcare workers and young children with severe respiratory illness - were given priority until April 13. The vaccines are also free for them.
However, Associate Minister of Health Julie Anne Genter has now announced those Kiwis will be prioritised for another two weeks to April 27.
"My message to those aged over 65 and anyone else in the priority groups is to get in contact with your GP or pharmacist and make a plan to get vaccinated. In the middle of the COVID-19 outbreak it could literally help save lives," Genter said.
"I particularly want to acknowledge Māori health providers such as Te Kupenga Hauora-Ahuriri in Napier that have been actively reaching out to kaumatua to ensure they are getting vaccinated."
While officials have continuously stressed the importance of being vaccinated, especially this year during the pandemic, some doctors Newshub has spoken to say they've had difficulty getting access to the vaccines, with issues in the supply chain.
Genter said on Thursday "there are plenty of vaccines available" with 300,000 arriving in the country this week on top of 900,000 already sent out to GPs and pharmacies. She said any health provider with an insufficient stock is urged to contact their district health board.
"All health providers that have placed orders should have more vaccines on their way now," Genter said.
"Unfortunately there are some issues with availability that we are fixing. Some providers ordered more vaccine than they were able to administer while others have run out.
"The Ministry of Health are now more actively managing flu vaccine stocks to ensure priority groups can access them and they are going where they are most needed. There is no point vaccines sitting around unused."
The associate minister also acknowledged healthcare workers doing their best to prepare New Zealand for the flu season.
"I want to be clear that hospital cleaners, aged care workers and home support workers are a priority for accessing flu vaccines during this time. We are working with employers to make sure this is provided at no cost to them," she said.
"With our borders shut and the country in lockdown we expect fewer transmissions of influenza. It's even more important than ever priority groups get the flu jab to ensure the health system isn't overburdened this winter."
