HNZ: AstraZeneca and Novavax second booster bookings now on Book My Vaccine

Dear primary care friends

Please see some new information relating AstraZeneca and Novavax. We would appreciate it if you would share this information with your members/networks. 

Top-line messages

• From 14 July people 18 years and older will be able to access second boosters for both AstraZeneca and Novavax via Book My Vaccine.
• The addition of AstraZeneca and Novavax means people now have a choice in their second booster vaccination, with the Pfizer second booster already available.
• For the Novavax second booster NO prescription is needed
• For the AstraZeneca second booster a prescription IS needed.

Supporting messages - what this means from a consumer perspective

Novavax

• You need to be 18 years and older to access the second booster for Novavax
• Novavax second booster does not require a prescription at a minimum dosing interval of 6 months
• Novavax first booster does not require a prescription at a minimum interval of 6 months (As implemented last week)
• Novavax primary course (mixed schedule) requires a prescription (no change from current)
• Novavax primary course (both Novavax) does not require a prescription (no change from current)
• The second booster of Novavax can be administered after a primary course and third dose of any approved COVID-19 vaccine.

AstraZeneca

• You need to be 18 years and older to access the second booster for AstraZeneca
• AstraZeneca second booster requires a prescription at a minimum dosing interval of 6 months
• AstraZeneca first booster requires a prescription at a minimum dosing interval of 3 months (no change from current)
• AstraZeneca primary course (mixed schedule) requires a prescription (no change from current)
• AstraZeneca primary course (both AstraZeneca) does not require a prescription. (no change from current)

Supporting messages – why

• A second booster is important for our most vulnerable people as we move into the winter peak.
• Staying up to date with the recommended COVID-19 vaccinations will continue to protect you from the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation or death from COVID-19. This is particularly important as we approach the winter season.

Supporting messages – when

• You can only get your second booster six months after your first booster.
• If you have had COVID-19 recently and it is six months after your first booster, you will need to wait at least 3 months after infection before having your second booster.

Supporting messages – how/where

• AstraZeneca and Novavax are both only available at select vaccination centres with bookings needing to be made through Book My Vaccine. If you select AstraZeneca or Novavax, the site will show a list of vaccination centres where they can be given. Not all sites are able to deliver these vaccines.
• The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine remains the preferred COVID-19 vaccine for use in New Zealand, reflecting its excellent safety and effectiveness profile. Talking to your GP or health professional will help in determining the best vaccine booster option.  

Q&A

Why do you need a prescription for an AstraZeneca booster but not Pfizer or Novavax?

AstraZeneca is approved for use in New Zealand only as primary series vaccine (eg the first two doses) and has not been approved by Medsafe as a booster. It is therefore only available on prescription as an off-label medicine.  Pfizer and Novavax have been approved by Medsafe as first boosters, and the Director-General of Health has authorised them as second boosters under section 34A of the Medicines Act [link to Notices], so they can be administered without prescription. 

Also, on Tuesday you were emailed a letter from Astrid Koornneef encouraging health and disability workers to get their flu vaccinations. We can reimburse employers who pay for their healthcare teams to get vaccinated. Astrid’s letter mentioned a user guide attachment, which wasn’t included, so I’ve attached it here. Apologies for the delay.

Ngā mihi

Angela Paul

Engagement Lead

National Immunisation Programme

waea pūkoro: +64 27 240 7066| īmēra: angela.paul@health.govt.nz

133 Molesworth Street, Te Whanganui-a-Tara

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