133 Molesworth 
Street 
PO Box 5013 
9 July 2021
Wellington 6140 
New Zealand 
T+64 4 496 2000 
Mr M P Ross 
By email: 
[FYI request #15907 email] 
Ref:  
H202107637 
Tēnā koe Mr Ross 
Response to your request for official information 
Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) to the Ministry of 
Health (the Ministry) on 25 June 2021 for: 
“1) Why was is there a slow down to vaccinating people (including the NZDF) in the 
national vaccination programme? 
2) Why were all appointment times removed for appoints that had to be rescheduled
until after 15th June 2021?
3) How long was the booking system closed for NZDF staff to book an appointment to
receive their vaccination?
4) Prior to 15th June 2021, did the NZDF have enough doses to vaccinate all it's staff
twice, as part of the MOH national vaccination programme?”
On 1 July 2021, parts two to four of your request were partially transferred to the New 
Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). You can expect a response to these parts from NZDF in 
due course.  
In response to the first part of your request, NZDF completed their vaccination programme 
for frontline staff in May. Vaccination for headquarters staff and reserve forces commenced 
in June. Due to stock constraints, it was agreed to actively manage the stock available for 
this programme and the NZDF has continued to receive 800 doses per weekly to continue 
the roll out to headquarters staff and reserves. 
I trust this information fulfils your request. Under section 28(3) of the Act you have the right 
to ask the Ombudsman to review any decisions made under this request. The Ombudsman 
may be contacted by email at: [email address] or by calling 0800 802 602. 
Nākū noa, nā 
Jo Gibbs 
National Director Operations 
COVID-19 Vaccine and Immunisation Programme 

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