The Government has reached an in-principle agreement to purchase doses of a COVID-19 vaccine for the entire population.
The agreement with Janssen Pharmaceutica is subject to the vaccine successfully completing clinical trials and passing regulatory approvals in New Zealand.
If all goes to plan, the first doses - up to two million - would be delivered from the third quarter of 2021.
The Government would then have the option to purchase up to three million more doses, which would be delivered throughout 2022.
The vaccine is likely to be single-dose and compatible with standard vaccine distribution channels, so it may be more efficient to administer.
Minister of Research, Science and Innovation Megan Woods said the agreement was part of the government's plan to ensure it had access to a range of vaccine options.
"Janssen, along with its parent company Johnson & Johnson, have a very strong track record producing safe and effective pharmaceutical products for use globally and in New Zealand," Woods said.
"This gives us confidence in their ability to develop, manufacture and deliver a safe and effective vaccine."
The Government expects to finalise a formal advance purchase agreement soon.
Negotiations with other pharmaceutical companies were in progress, Woods said, and ensuring New Zealand and the Pacific had access to safe and effective vaccines was the priority.
The Ministry of Health was preparing for how best to deliver the vaccines once supply was available, she said.
"Ensuring equity of outcomes, including protection for Māori, Pacific peoples and our most vulnerable population groups, such as older people, disabled people, health workers, essential workers and border staff are some of our primary considerations in the availability of vaccines."
RNZ
