Although New Zealand has been very successful at eliminating COVID-19 within our borders, the global pandemic continues. Safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines will be a part of the Government’s strategy to protect the long-term health and wellbeing of New Zealanders, support our economic and social recovery, and reopen our borders.
The Government has set aside just under $NZ1 billion ($NZ983.7 million) from its COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund to secure access to COVID-19 vaccines for New Zealanders.
The Government has negotiated agreements that guarantee supplies of vaccines for the entire country.
The COVID-19 vaccines will be free of charge. They will not be mandatory for the New Zealand public.
Work is continuing to make sure we are ready to roll out COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they are approved by Medsafe and ready for use, and suppliers can deliver them.
Border and MIQ workers will be the first group to receive COVID-19 vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines for the general public are expected to be available in the second half of 2021.
We’ll keep members up to date with further developments.