The government has announced a targeted roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine over the next three to four months.

Those most at risk of getting and spreading Covid-19, and those most at risk of getting seriously sick from it, will be targeted in the next phase of the roll-out, Covid-19 response minister Chris Hipkins said today (Wednesday March 10).

“A top priority this year is to make sure New Zealanders get free, fair and equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines,” he said.

“We are setting out the plan today after securing enough Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for everyone in New Zealand to get the two doses they need to be fully vaccinated against the virus.

“Our plan is clear – first protect those most at risk of picking up the virus in their workplace, reducing the risk of future outbreaks and lockdowns and then protecting those most at risk of getting seriously ill if they get the virus.” 

There are four main groups (timings will overlap, and dates might shift slightly as the Ministry of Health continues to undertake modelling):

Group 1

The 50,000 border and MIQ workers, their household contacts and the people they live with. This started last month and the majority will be completed this month, with at least one dose administered.

Group 2

Approximately 480,000 frontline workers and people living in high-risk settings. Starting with the 57,000 healthcare workers on community frontlines, and then moving through to healthcare workers protecting our most vulnerable and some priority populations. This started in February and will continue through to May.

Group 3

Priority populations. Approximately 1.7 million people who are at higher risk if they catch COVID-19. This is planned to start in May.

Group 4

The remainder of the general population – approximately 2 million people. Starting from July.

Chris said there will be a range of options to make it as easy as possible for people to access the vaccine.

“Workers and residents of long-term residential care environments will get the vaccine at their workplace. There will also be Māori and Pacific providers, pop-up centres, GPs, medical and hauora centres, community clinics and larger scale events.

“An online tool that helps people find out when they can get the vaccine will be launched shortly. It describes the four broad groups and will take people through a series of questions to work out when it’ll be their turn,” he said.

“There are two further categories we are still looking at: one for people who may need to get a vaccine on compassionate grounds; and a national significance category, which could include groups who need a vaccine in order to represent New Zealand overseas. Decisions around these categories will be made at Cabinet in coming weeks.

“We are asking all New Zealanders to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect your whānau, their lives and their livelihoods,” Chris said. 

He added that every New Zealander will be able to get a vaccine and the vaccine will be free.