Dr Ashley Bloomfield says he will "make himself available" to administer vaccinations, should the rollout require it from him.
The Director-General of Health was asked on Wednesday if he was qualified to vaccinate others.
"If I was to give the vaccine, I would have had to complete the online two-hour module specifically about this vaccine," he said.
"I am not intending to, but I am intending to make myself available to support the team effort - because there's a real team effort needed."
It comes as New Zealand's vaccination programme gains traction, with 27,000 people so far having received their shots.
The rollout is tiered in relation to those with the greatest need - first New Zealand's 50,000 border workers and their household contacts will receive the vaccine, then frontline workers and high-risk people can get theirs.
From July, the general population will be able to be vaccinated.
On Wednesday Minister for the COVID-19 Response Chris Hipkins said people who need to travel overseas on compassionate grounds, or for reasons of national significance will be eligible for an early vaccine - though there will be "strict" conditions.
"These provisions will not extend to vaccinations for new arrivals or returnees," said Hipkins.
"It does not include private or recreational travel."
