Ross Francis
[FYI request #16112 email]
Reference: OIA-2021/22-0017
Dear Ross Francis
Official Information Act request relating to side effects of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
Thank you for your request made under the Official Information Act (the Act), received on 18
July 2021. You requested:
“did the New Zealand Government ask Pfizer, or any of its representatives, to pay (either
partly or fully) for the cost of treating possible serious side-effects in New Zealand? If so,
what was the value of any suggested contribution and what was Pfizer’s response?
During the Prime Minister’s meetings with Pfizer in 2021, was the issue of possible
serious side-effects discussed? If so, please provide me with all information held about
any such discussion(s).
how many people (if any) may suffer serious side-effects from the Covid-19 vaccine(s)
in New Zealand?
what information was produced between 22 October and 11 December 2020 to diminish
concerns about the above adverse events?”
I believe that parts of your request are more closely connected to the functions of the Ministry
of Health. Accordingly, I have decided under section 14(b)(ii) of the Act to transfer this part of
your request to the Ministry of Health. Your request for information regarding the Prime
Ministers conversation with Pfizer will remain with the Department of the Prime Minister and
Cabinet for response.
The Ministry of Health has the usual timeframes under the Act from receipt of this transfer to
make a decision on your request.
Yours sincerely
Sarah Corbett
Manager, Ministerial & Business Services
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
4410579
64 4 817 9700 Facsimile 64 4 472 3181 www.dpmc.govt.nz