COVID-19 Immunisation Programme
Our COVID-19 information and resources have now been integrated with our immune.org.nz website
Overview
NIP Dropbox with downloadable COVID-19 resources and forms for health care professionals can be found here.
The COVID-19 vaccination programme provides all those living in Aotearoa New Zealand with the best protection against the worst outcomes of the COVID-19 disease.
The vaccination programme has evolved over the past few years, with three different versions of Pfizer's mRNA vaccine, Comirnaty, now used for most people as a primary course and additional doses, if required.
The Pfizer vaccines are the only Medsafe-approved and funded vaccines available for use in Aotearoa New Zealand. Pharmac have previously funded a Novavax vaccine for COVID-19. However, in July 2024 Novavax decided to withdraw its application for approval of its latest vaccine. Therefore, the Novavax vaccine, Nuvaxovid XBB.1.5, is currently unavailable in New Zealand.
Comirnaty 30mcg XBB.1.5 grey cap vaccine (12+ years)
From 7 March 2024, everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand over the age of 12 years who is not yet vaccinated can receive a single dose of the monovalent Comirnaty Omicron 30mcg XBB.1.5 grey cap vaccine, whether they are eligible for funded health and disability services or not.
Additional doses are also available to those who are eligible, using this same vaccine. For more information see the IMAC Comirnaty 30mcg XBB.1.5 factsheet. Also see the Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health COVID-19 vaccines webpage and the Immunisation Handbook for more information.
Comirnaty 10mcg XBB.1.5 blue cap vaccine (5 to 11 years)
From 30 May 2024, Comirnaty 10mcg XBB.1.5 blue cap vaccine is available for children aged 5 to 11 years and is a lower dose and smaller volume than the grey cap vaccines. It is a single dose vaccine. For more information see the Comirnaty 10mcg XBB.1.5 webpage.
Comirnaty 3mcg XBB.1.5 maroon cap vaccine (6 months to 4 years)
Comirnaty 3mcg XBB.1.5 maroon cap vaccine is limited to young children aged between 6 months and 4 years of age who are at highest risk of severe infection if they were to catch COVID-19, such as those with severe immunocompromise or with complex and/or multiple health condition
Resources
IMAC's latest COVID-19 resources can be found on the right-hand side of each specific vaccine page or within our factsheet resources.
COVID-19 disease
View our information and guidance here.
Vaccines
Comirnaty 30mcg XBB.1.5 grey cap vaccine
Comirnaty 10mcg XBB.1.5 blue cap vaccine
Comirnaty 3mcg XBB.1.5 maroon cap vaccine
XBB.1.5 webinar recording
View the recording of our recent XBB.1.5 webinar here. This informative webinar covers a range of issues in relation to the new vaccine.
NIP Dropbox with downloadable COVID-19 resources and forms
National Immunisation Programme COVID-19 resources/forms for health care professionals can be found here.
COVID-19 related courses for the health workforce
On behalf of Te Whatu Ora, IMAC provides education and training courses for those administering COVID-19 vaccines or otherwise contributing to the programme. The course selection will depend upon the scope of your role.
Different roles and pathways
View information on the different roles in the immunisation workforce here.
COVID-19 programme-specific courses
View IMAC's COVID-19 courses here.