Kia ora koutou, We are pleased to provide you with information about the 2021 influenza immunisation programme to assist you with your planning. About 2021 influenza immunisation programme The 2021 influenza immunisation programme is a priority for the Ministry of Health. Last year, a record number of people received the influenza vaccine and we’re planning for high demand again this year. We are acutely aware there were distribution challenges last year. We received clear feedback from the sector about the need to make plenty of vaccine available, particularly at the start of the season, and to ensure that supply is consistent. continued...
Based on this, and on current information from PHARMAC and the vaccine supplier Seqirus, we have set the start date for the programme for 14 April 2021 with a two-week prioritisation period. The prioritisation period is for vaccinators to focus on immunising people who are eligible for a funded vaccination first, to help protect people at greatest risk. To help ensure there is enough influenza vaccine to meet demand and supply is continuous, PHARMAC is also funding an additional vaccine brand for adults aged 65 and over – FLUAD® QUAD. You can find more information below, and please keep an eye out for an invitation to a teleconference next week. We have updated our website with high-level information about the programme: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/preventative-health-wellness/immunisation/influenza We will work with IMAC and our sector working group to produce and distribute information for the public about influenza immunisation closer to the start of the programme. If you require further information for the public or if you have questions, please contact us at influenzaimmunisation@health.govt.nz Ngā mihi Influenza immunisation programme About the vaccines
Start date and prioritisation period
Equity
Funding for immunising health and disability care workers
o have patient/client contact o have not previously been the recipient of an employer-funded influenza vaccination whilst in their current place of employment (not including one reimbursed by the Ministry of Health in 2020). o Further information on how to claim will be available on the Ministry of Health website. Workforce planning and COVID-19 immunisation programme
· Be assured that workforce considerations are an important part of our immunisation planning for this year, including ensuring we have enough capacity to manage the multiple priorities of COVID-19 immunisation, the National Measles Immunisation Campaign and influenza. Ministry of Health continues to prioritise protecting New Zealanders against influenza · The 2021 influenza immunisation programme remains an important priority for the Ministry of Health. There is an ongoing public health risk of influenza to New Zealand, even with the current border restriction. Any increased travel across the border, for example as a result of ‘safe travel zones’, will also increase the risk of influenza being imported into New Zealand. Keeping you updated We will provide further information about the influenza immunisation programme via our website, and you can contact our team at influenzaimmunisation@health.govt.nz Please forward onto your networks. Ngā mihi Immunisation Team Comments are closed.
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