Last month, Te Whatu Ora and Pharmac released a joint consultation regarding the removal of pharmacy ordering restrictions for some childhood immunisations. The consultation closed on 29 January 2024.
A lot of responses were received, and more time is needed to carefully consider this feedback. The earliest date that this change will be enabled, if the proposal is successful, is now 1 April 2024.
A training package is currently being developed so that pharmacist vaccinators can upskill to become fully authorised vaccinators. We’re working towards making this available in late March (rather than our initial date of late February), if the decision from Pharmac is to proceed. This training package will lead to authorisation for whole-of-life immunisations and will allow pharmacists to immunise pēpi from 6 weeks of age.
Pharmac has also decided to consult on a proposal to amend the listing for paracetamol oral liquid to enable Direct Provision by pharmacists. This change will be considered alongside the proposal to remove the pharmacy ordering restriction from certain childhood vaccines, including meningococcal B vaccine. The consultation closes at 9.00am on Monday 19 February 2024.
More information about both consultations can be found on the Pharmac website
Meningococcal B and Meningococcal ACWY vaccines are free for those aged between 13 and 25 years (inclusive) who are entering within the next three months, or in their first year of living in boarding school hostels, tertiary education halls of residence, military barracks, Youth Justice facilities or prisons.
Until 28 February 2024, there is also a free catch-up period for MenB vaccines, for those aged 13 to 25 years in any year of a close living facility.
Te Whatu Ora issued a media statement on 23 January to encourage young people get immunised.
Eligible young people encouraged to have free meningococcal vaccines
As long as the first dose is given before the free catch-up period ends, the second dose can be claimed even if it’s administered after 28 February 2024.
Details for accessing collateral to help promote Meningococcal vaccines can be found at the end of this email.
The Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) will be holding its annual New Zealand Influenza & COVID-19 Symposium in Auckland on 14 March 2024. More information and details on how to register is found on the IMAC website.
Health sector Comms and Engagement
Sandy.thambiah@tewhatuora.govt.nz
Māori Comms and Engagement
Eddie.sykes@tewhatuora.govt.nz
Pacific Comms and Engagement
Yvonne.timaloa@tewhatuora.govt.nz
Media issues
hnzmedia@health.govt.nz
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