Vaccines are free for everyone in New Zealand aged 5 and over.
A lot of the advice around vaccines refers to workers. It is important to note, in regards to vaccinations, the term “Workers” includes both paid and unpaid workers.
Vaccines are voluntary and individuals cannot be forced to have a vaccine. However, some work environments have mandated vaccination requirements. In some workplaces, a worker may need to be vaccinated to perform a specific role for health and safety reasons. This must be assessed by each organisation. WorkSafe have provided guidance on this.
Mandated vaccinations:
From 5 April some government vaccine mandates for workers have been removed.
Workers that will still be covered by a government vaccine mandate include:
- health and disability sector workers. Roles and settings under this order are noted by the Ministry of Health.
- prison staff
- border and MIQ workers.
For a summary of things to consider in your workplace: Vaccines and employers.
My vaccine pass
From 5 April, vaccine passes are longer required. Businesses will still be able to use the system if they would like to.
Key information sources
Check out the following information sites for detailed information:
- General vaccine information – Covid-19 Vaccines
- Toolkit to help workplaces, non-profit groups and other organisations to support COVID-19 vaccinations in their communities: Tool Kit
- Worksafe: Covid-19 controls at work
- Vaccines and the workplace
- Ministry of Health vaccine resources.
This guide is for people in health, science, policy and community roles who want to talk effectively about COVID-19 vaccinations to different groups of people who may be hesitant about getting vaccinated.
Marae Guidance
This guide is designed to support marae to safely operate in accordance with the COVID-19 Protection
Framework – commonly known as the traffic lights.
Here is a one-page summary.
About The Author: Michelle Kitney
Chief Executive, Volunteering New Zealand
More posts by Michelle Kitney