5 May 2021

Next 6-8 week 'crucial' for vaccine rollout

From Nine To Noon, 9:08 am on 5 May 2021

The next six to eight weeks are "crucial" for the covid vaccine rollout, according to a member of the Covid 19 Technical Advisory Group, and Medical Director of the College of GPs, Dr Bryan Betty.

Another 1.7 million New Zealanders are due to get the call up from later this month, as part of "Group 3".

This group includes over 75s, those over 65, and people with underlying health conditions, in that order - but guidance on exactly what is considered a relevant health condition is still being finalised.

How the two doses will be administered to this much larger group is also yet to be finalised.

The Ministry of Health has asked general practitioners and pharmarcies for expressions of interest in being part of the wider roll-out along with mass vaccination centres.

Kathryn speaks with Dr Bryan Betty, Dr Nikki Turner of the Immunisation Advisory Centre and Andrew Gaudin, Chief Executive of the Pharmacy Guild.

Jet Park operations manager Drew Leafa getting his second Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.

Photo: Supplied / Ministry of Health