133 Molesworth Street
PO Box 5013
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
T+64 4 496 2000
27 October 2021
Sebastian
By email: [FYI request #16691 email]
Ref:
H202114216
Tēnā koe Sebastian
Response to your request for official information
Thank you for your follow up request under the Of icial Information Act 1982 (the Act) to the
Ministry of Health (the Ministry) on 13 October 2021. You asked for:
“…Copies of all COVID-19 Vaccine Technical Advisory Group meeting minutes, dated
since the beginning of September.”
Four documents have been found to be within the scope of your request. These documents are
the COVID-19 Vaccine Technical Advisory Group Minutes from 7 September to 5 October 2021.
The table in Appendix 1 outlines the grounds under which I have decided to withhold
information. Where information is withheld, this is noted in the document itself.
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.
Please note that this response, with your personal details removed, may be published on the
Ministry of Health website at:
www.health.govt.nz/about-ministry/information-releases.
Nāku noa, nā
Professor Ian Town
Chief Science Advisor
Chair, COVID-19 Vaccine-Technical Advisory Group
Appendix 1: List of documents for release
#
Date
Document details
Decision on release
1
7 September 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine TAG Minutes Information released with
– 7 September 2021
some information deemed out
of scope of the request.
2
14 September 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine TAG Minutes
– 14 September 2021
3
21 September 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine TAG Minutes
– 21 September 2021
4
5 October 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine TAG Minutes
– 5 October 2021
Document 1
MINUTES: COVID-19 Vaccine Technical Advisory Group
Date:
Tuesday 07 September 2021
Time:
11:00am to 12:00pm
Location:
Out of scope
Chair:
Ian Town
David Murdoch, Elizabeth Wilson, Helen Petousis-Harris, Ian Frazer, James
Members:
1982
Ussher, Nikki Moreland, Nikki Turner, Peter McIntyre, Sue Crengle, Tony Walls
Act
Andi Shirtcliffe, Brooke Hollingshead, Daniel Bernal, Edwin Reynolds, Fiona
Ministry of Health Attendees:
Callaghan, Shayma Faircloth
Jared Solloway, Jono Hoogerbrug, Kath Blair, Kris Golding, Maria Cotter,
Guests:
Muhammad Mulla, Sarah Jefferies
Caroline McElnay, Juliet Rumbal -Smith, John Tait, Niki Stefanogiannis, Pippa
Apologies:
Scott, Sean Hanna,
INFORMATION
1.0
Welcome and previous minutes
Ian Town welcomed all Members and Attendees in his capacity as Chair of the COVID-19 Vaccine
Technical Advisory Group (CV TAG).
OFFICIAL
Minutes of the last meeting (31 August 2021) were accepted subject to the correction of attendance, with
David Murdoch listed as Member and not listed as a Ministry of Health Attendee.
THE
2.0
Influenza Programme 2022
CV TAG advice was asked to comment on aspects of 2022 Influenza Programme planning:
•
There is potentially a high public health risk once borders begin to open with increased
UNDER
vulnerability.
•
A public/private joint model was seen as incompatible with public health principles and therefore
universal access would be more effective, with prioritisation of vulnerable populations.
•
CV TAG recommended ‘ring-fencing’ vulnerable people by vaccinating their families and
households around them for greater protection.
RELEASED
•
Māori and Pacific Peoples were also needing to be prioritised based on increased vulnerability to
infection, being more likely to work in the essential workforce, and live in intergenerational
households. Whānau-based approaches could be considered to encourage uptake, as is working
well with the COVID-19 vaccine. Data on hospitalisation and mortality by ethnicity should be
included in the recommendations.
•
Prioritising children and adolescents from aged 6 months to 18 years was also suggested, noting
this would also reduce the burden in older people.
Document 1
• A strategic approach to the whole programme including measles, HPV and other campaigns was
called for. The National Immunisation Solution will be in place in time for the influenza programme
in 2022 and will be accessible for all providers.
3.0
Guidance for Cancer Patients
Guidance from the Cancer Control Agency on the increased vulnerability of immunocompromised patients
due to their lower vaccine response was presented to CV TAG for noting.
4.0
Third Dose for Immunocompromised
Draft recommendations of administering additional doses to the immunocompromised were presented to
CV TAG for discussion:
• CV TAG noted that the recommendations need to be a clearly defined, evidence-based, list of
conditions, including medications that may need to be listed e.g. corticosteroids.
1982
• The IMAC list of immunocompromised groups could form the basis of the list of conditions, and
recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines should be aligned with IMAC information.
Act
• The recommendations must also outline the consent process and note that any authorised
prescriber or medical practitioner wil be able to administer doses.
• This is an opportunity to reiterate that immunocompromised people are not ineligible for COVID-
19 vaccination.
• A subgroup of CV TAG wil meet to revise the recommendations, and this wil be brought back to
CV TAG next week.
INFORMATION
5.0
Vaccines Recognised for Border Workers The recommendations for vaccines recognised for Border Work has been finalised and shared with the
Public Health Policy team.
6.0
Vaccines Recognised for Returnees OFFICIAL
CV TAG advice was sought from the Public Health Policy team on the list of vaccines that could be
recognised for returnees.
THE
• The recommendations for vaccines recognised for Border Work has been finalised and shared
with the Public Health Policy team.
• In the context of New Zealand pursuing an elimination strategy with a population not yet fully
protected by vaccination, C
UNDER V TAG noted that a high level of protection was stil needed. Within
this context, no vaccine currently provides enough protection to remove public health measures
or MIQ requirements completely. The list of vaccines recognised by Health Canada was noted as
an example of an approach New Zealand could fol ow.
• Equity issues were noted as of importance for people arriving to New Zealand, particularly with
our Pacific neighbours and RSE workers.
RELEASED
• A memo containing a list of recognised vaccines wil be drafted, circulated to CV TAG for
approval, and then shared with the Public Health Policy team.
• CV TAG wil continue to monitor all relevant information (including vaccine efficacy, variants,
booster and/or third doses) and wil update their recommendations.
7.0
Next Steps/Decisions Pending
None.
Document 1
8.0
Any Other Business
Vaccine rol out
The Chair provided an update on the vaccine rollout. Work on procuring additional doses is underway,
and announcements are expected soon.
It was requested that the Secretariat collate information on the rol out plan final stages and data on equity
coverage from CVIP to share at the next meeting.
Decision to Use Janssen CV TAG were advised that New Zealand is likely to receive some doses this year (around 100,000). CV
TAG’s previous advice had been to make the vaccine available to a smal group of people who are unable
to take Pfizer, with the remaining doses being donated. Policy asked if the advice from CV TAG was the
same or needed updating.
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In general, the prior advice was considered to stil be applicable.
Act
Updated efficacy and effectiveness data was requested from the Science and Technical Advisory team
and wil be included in next week’s regular Science Updates.
Extension dose protocol for missed vaccination events This memo was finalised yesterday and shared with CVIP. It is intended to be a general framework
applicable across the system but wil also inform actions at Highbrook.
It was requested that a final version be shared with the Immunisation Advisory Centr
INFORMATION e.
9.0
Agenda items for next meeting
Science Updates
Third dose for immunocompromised
OFFICIAL
Vaccines recognised for returnees
THE
10.0 New Action Items Raised During Meeting
#
Agenda item
Actions
Action Owner
UNDER
51
Third Dose for
Convene subgroup to redraft
Science and Technical
Immunocompromised
recommendations
Advisory
52
Vaccines Recognised
Draft CV TAG recommendations and
Science and Technical
for Returnees
bring back to group
Advisory
RELEASED
53
Vaccine rollout
Request CVIP update on final stages
of rollout plan
Secretariat
54
Vaccine rollout
Request CVIP data on coverage by
ethnicity
Secretariat
Document 1
Extension dose
55
protocol for missed
Share finalised memo with
vaccination events
Immunisation Advisory Centre
Secretariat
Meeting closed at
12:01pm Next meeting:
Tuesday 14 September – 11:00am to 12:00pm
Open Actions:
#
Agenda item
Actions
Action Owner
Updates
1982
Compile further evidence on
49 Pfizer dosing error
the link between dosing
Science and
Act
intervals and reactogenicity.
Technical Advisory 31/08 – Action raised
51 Third Dose for
Convene subgroup to redraft
Science and
Immunocompromised recommendations
Technical Advisory 07/09 – Action raised
Draft CV TAG
INFORMATION
52 Vaccines Recognised
Science and
for Returnees
recommendations and bring
back to group
Technical Advisory 07/09 – Action raised
53 Vaccine rollout
Request CVIP update on final
stages of rol out plan
Secretariat
07/09 – Action raised
OFFICIAL
THE
54 Vaccine rollout
Request CVIP data on
coverage by ethnicity
Secretariat
07/09 – Action raised
Extension dose
UNDER
55 protocol for missed
Share finalised memo with
vaccination events
Immunisation Advisory Centre
Secretariat
07/09 – Action raised
Closed Actions Since Last Meeting:
RELEASED
#
Agenda item
Actions
Action Owner
Updates
Compile information on cardiac-
13/07 - Action raised
34 Myocarditis after
related events associated with
27/07 - Drafted. Awaiting peer
Pfizer Vaccination
other vaccines in New
Secretariat
review
Zealand’s portfolio.
07/09 – Closed
Document 1
Other COVID-19
Vaccines that New
31/08 – Action raised
50 Zealand Could
Update memo and share with
Recognise for Border
Public Health.
ST
06/09 – Action closed
Workers
31/08 – Action raised
48 MMR/Influenza
Coadministration
Follow-up on announcement.
Chair
08/09 – Action closed
1982
Act
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
Document 2
MINUTES: COVID-19 Vaccine Technical Advisory Group
Date:
Tuesday 14 September 2021
Time:
11:00am to 12:00pm
Location:
Out of scope
Chair:
Ian Town
David Murdoch, Elizabeth Wilson, Helen Petousis-Harris, Ian Frazer, James
Members:
1982
Ussher, Nikki Turner, Peter McIntyre, Sean Hanna, Tony Walls
Act
Andi Shirtcliffe, Brooke Hollingshead, Chrisel e Braganza, Daniel Bernal, Edwin
Ministry of Health Attendees:
Reynolds, Fiona Callaghan, Juliet Rumball-Smith, Pippa Scott, Shayma Faircloth
Guests:
John Tait, Maria Cotter
Caroline McElnay, Kris Golding, Niki Stefanogiannis, Nikki Moreland, Sue
Apologies:
Crengle
INFORMATION
1.0
Welcome and previous minutes
Ian Town welcomed all Members and Attendees in his capacity as Chair of the COVID-19 Vaccine
Technical Advisory Group (CV TAG).
Minutes of the last meeting (07 September 2021) were accepted.
OFFICIAL
2.0
Science Updates
THE
The Science and Technical Advisory provided an update on New Zealand’s vaccine candidates:
•
There are no new data on Novavax, including on its use as a potential booster dose or in a
heterologous schedule. Medsafe continues to wait for further evidence as part of its application.
•
Data has emerged for Pfiz
UNDER er that longer intervals between doses produce higher antibody titres
but lower T Cell responses. There is also some evidence that immunity may wane markedly in
the elderly, and some further evidence on vaccine efficacy against Delta.
•
Pfizer is now ful y approved in Switzerland, the US, Brazil and Japan.
•
One article reported a higher risk of myocarditis for 12-15-year-olds in data from the US,
however CV TAG noted there were significant issues with the data, and they await further
RELEASED
information.
3.0
Research in Children
This item was covered under agenda item 2.0 Science Updates.
4.0
Vaccine Rollout
The Chair provided an update on the vaccine rollout to CV TAG:
•
The outbreak continues to dominate much of the work at the Ministry, however, the vaccine
rollout continues at pace. The programme has adopted CV TAG’s advice on using vaccines as a
Document 2
control measure in an outbreak through strong advice to Aucklanders to get vaccinated and
greater efforts to roll the vaccine out in Auckland focussing on Pacific and Maori communities.
• Further supply has now been secured from Spain and Denmark.
• Data on vaccination rates for Māori and Pacific Peoples were shared showing some
improvement in uptake.
5.0
Third Dose for Immunocompromised
• A subgroup of CV TAG met to revise the recommendations on administering additional doses to
the immunocompromised.
• The UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) criteria for
immunocompromise was noted as a clear and prescriptive set of criteria that New Zealand could
follow capturing individuals with severe immunocompromise
• Other important measures for the protection of the immunocompromised include: ‘ring-fencing’
1982
vulnerable people by vaccinating household members; continuing other public health measures
(such as masking).
Act
• The additional dose is a ‘top-up’ or third primary dose, as opposed to a booster dose.
• Serology is not considered a useful tool, as a correlate of protection has not been established,
among other reasons.
• Discussion with Medsafe wil be required in order to implement the additional dose.
• In general, the additional dose is to be given 8 weeks or more after the second dose.
• The JCVI recommendations wil be further checked to ensure they align with t
INFORMATION he IMAC
handbook for special groups, finalised, and shared with CVIP. It could be added to the
Immunisation Handbook.
• The extension dose protocol wil also be updated to refer to this definition of
immunocompromise, rather than the CDC list that was used prior.
OFFICIAL
6.0
Vaccines Recognised for Arrivals
• Advice was sought on which vacc
THE ines would be required for travellers during the phased easing
of border restrictions and whether the standard for Border Workers could apply, or whether the
broader WHO list could be recognised (with Sinopharm and Sinovac).
• In general, the broader WHO list was considered to provide an acceptable level of protection for
UNDER
people arriving to the country. All these vaccines offer some protection against severe disease.
However, people fully or partially vaccinated with Sinovac and Sinopharm may need an
additional dose of the Pfizer vaccine to gain sufficient protection.
• Other considerations include: the requirements for children and adolescents (aged 12-15); the
requirements for an additional dose for individuals already in the country who have received
Sinopharm or Sinovac
RELEASED
• Vaccine recognition policies for Border Workers should also be considered for healthcare
workers as they also work in high-exposure settings.
• A further and separate discussion is needed on Janssen as any decisions on additional dose
requirements for arrivals may impact on the decision to use more broadly.
• CV TAG wil continue to monitor emerging evidence. The recommendations on vaccines to be
recognised wil be brought back to CV TAG prior to the pathways being finalised.
• Preliminary advice that all inbound travellers going into MIQ from 1 November should have been
vaccinated (with any vaccine) was noted and supported.
Document 2
7.0
Next Steps/Decisions Pending
None.
8.0
Any Other Business
•
Extension dose protocol
The Chair updated CV TAG that the extension dose protocol for missed vaccination events has been
implemented with letters out to those affected through the Highbrook incident.
•
Decision to Use Janssen
The Chair also shared that New Zealand wil be receiving about 100,000 doses of the Janssen vaccine
initially. There is a small group of people who would prefer not to get an mRNA vaccine, and the
Janssen vaccine wil be made available to them in key centres, alongside those with a history of
1982
anaphylaxis.
Act
9.0
Agenda items for next meeting
Vaccines recognised for arrivals.
10.0 New Action Items Raised During Meeting
#
Agenda item
Actions
Action Owner
INFORMATION
56
Third dose for
Finalise recommendations and
Science and Technical
immunocompromised
share with CVIP
Advisory
Meeting closed at
12:04pm Next meeting:
Tuesday 21 September – 11:00am to 12:00pm
OFFICIAL
THE
Open Actions:
#
Agenda item
Actions
Action Owner
Updates
UNDER
Compile further evidence on
49 Pfizer dosing error
the link between dosing
Science and
intervals and reactogenicity.
Technical Advisory 31/08 – Action raised
D
RELEASED raft CV TAG
52 Vaccines Recognised
Science and
for Returnees
recommendations and bring
back to group
Technical Advisory 07/09 – Action raised
56 Third dose for
Finalise recommendations and
Science and
immunocompromised
share with CVIP
Technical Advisory 14/09 – Action raised
Closed Actions Since Last Meeting:
Document 2
#
Agenda item
Actions
Action Owner
Updates
07/09 – Action raised
51 Third Dose for
Convene subgroup to redraft
Science and
Immunocompromised recommendations
Technical Advisory 09/09 – Action closed.
07/09 – Action raised
53 Vaccine rollout
Request CVIP update on final
stages of rol out plan
Secretariat
14/09 – Action closed
07/09 – Action raised
54 Vaccine rollout
Request CVIP data on coverage
by ethnicity
Secretariat
14/09 – Action closed
1982
Extension dose
Act
07/09 – Action raised
55 protocol for missed
Share finalised memo with
vaccination events
Immunisation Advisory Centre
Secretariat
09/09 – Action closed
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
Document 3
MINUTES: COVID-19 Vaccine Technical Advisory Group
Date:
Tuesday 21 September 2021
Time:
11:00am to 12:00pm
Location:
Out of scope
Chair:
Ian Town
1982
Members:
David Murdoch, Elizabeth Wilson, Helen Petousis-Harris, Ian Frazer, James
Ussher, Nikki Moreland, Nikki Turner, Peter McIntyre, Sue Crengle, Tony Walls
Act
Brooke Hollingshead, Chriselle Braganza, Daniel Bernal, Edwin Reynolds, Fiona
Ministry of Health Attendees:
Callaghan, Juliet Rumbal -Smith, Niki Stefanogiannis, Pippa Scott, Shayma
Faircloth
Guests:
Kris Golding, Maria Cotter
Apologies:
Andi Shirtcliffe, Caroline McElnay, John Tait, Sean Hanna
INFORMATION
1.0
Welcome and previous minutes
Ian Town welcomed all Members and Attendees in his capacity as Chair of the COVID-19 Vaccine
Technical Advisory Group (CV TAG).
Minutes of the last meeting (14 September 2021) were acc
OFFICIAL epted.
2.0
Vaccine Rollout
THE
The Chair provided an update on the vaccine rollout:
• Increasing access to vaccination in suburbs affected by the current outbreak is a focus currently.
• A range of initiatives are underway (e.g., mobile vaccine buses), with discussions about
incentives and ways to red
UNDER uce barriers.
• Discussions are occurring with the Ministry of Education about administering vaccines to 12–15-
year-olds and their families in education settings
• Progress with vaccination is increasing steadily with the number of first doses administered
expected to reach 80% in the next few days.
RELEASED
3.0
Third Dose for Immunocompromised
The draft memo with recommendations for severely immunocompromised people to receive an additional
dose of the Pfizer vaccine was shared with CV TAG.
• CV TAG’s recommendations align with advice given in the IMAC handbook for the severely
immunocompromised. STA wil keep a watching brief on the other conditions included in the
IMAC handbook associated with non-severe immunocompromise, namely asplenics, diabetes
and dialysis. These wil be updated as further evidence emerges.
• Medsafe and the Ministry of Health’s legal team have reviewed the definition of who can
administer the additional dose.
Document 3
• The Cancer Control Agency have been consulted and agreed that the CV TAG advice aligns with
their advice regarding severe immunocompromise.
• The dose wil be framed as an ‘additional dose’ for clarity.
• The advice wil be signed out and shared with CVIP and IMAC.
4.0
Vaccines Recognised for Arrivals
• A draft memo was presented to CV TAG with recommendations that from 1 November, everyone
entering 14 days MIQ in New Zealand wil need to be vaccinated. The memo specifies that:
o Arrivals should have had a full course with one of the 22 vaccines approved by
regulatory authorities or governments around the world, at least 14 days prior to arrival.
o Those vaccinated with a non-WHO vaccine wil require an additional dose of the Pfizer
vaccine on leaving MIQ.
o An exemption process wil be available for countries without access to vaccines for 12-
1982
15-year-olds, who wil be offered Pfizer vaccination.
o Vaccine status wil be self-reported with any form of proof accepted by the airline at
Act
check-in, and on arrival at customs.
o The purpose of introducing vaccine requirements for MIQ is not to stop transmission into
the community, but rather about allowing equitable entry, and protection to the same
extent as others in New Zealand.
• Between 24 August and 17 September 2021, of the 2,438 MIQ guests during this period, 2,218
(91%) were fully vaccinated, and only 14 people (0.6%) were unvaccinated, and therefore it is
expected to affect a smal proportion of people.
• Some concern was raised about the efficacy of Sinopharm and Sinovac.
INFORMATION
• Data was also requested on the positivity rate of tests at Day 3 and 10 in MIQ, and Day 6 when
available. Shortened MIQs for vaccinated travel ers wil be discussed at a later date.
• Additional doses should be administered as soon as possible once people arrive to New
Zealand, with the advantage of time in MIQ being utilised. At the latest, they could be
administered on leaving MIQ. Additional doses after leaving MIQ would result in inequities in
OFFICIAL
uptake and access. It was noted that there were workload and operational concerns with
administering doses while in MIQ.
• The requirement of having to have been vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arriving to MIQ was
THE
considered to be unnecessarily restrictive.
• The issue of whether healthcare workers vaccinated with Janssen should receive an extra dose
of Pfizer was raised, due to the enhanced need for protection of a high-risk occupation. This will
feed into broader work on vaccines, including vaccines to recognise for seasonal workers and
UNDER
those for new arrivals as part of the travel er-risk pathways. The evidence in this area is evolving
and therefore STA and CV TAG wil continue to monitor new information as it emerges and make
updates as required.
5.0
Third Booster Dose
RELEASED s
• The recommendations made by the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to
administer booster doses to all aged over 50 were brought to CV TAG for discussion.
• It was flagged that evidence is accumulating on waning in the elderly. Those aged over 65 and/or
vulnerable subgroups are likely to need a booster dose. However, it is stil unclear when this
should occur and in which subpopulations, and further evidence is required.
• The STA team wil begin a work programme to start building the evidence base for potential
booster doses in the elderly, and this wil be brought back to CV TAG.
Document 3
6.0
Decision to use for 12–15-year-olds
• Considering the UK’s decision to not vaccinate this age group, it was queried whether this
decision should be revisited, and/or for only single doses to be administered.
• Aotearoa New Zealand’s population is immunologically naïve and therefore it is stil important
that this population is vaccinated with two doses.
• However, greater emphasis is needed on the benefits provided by longer dosing intervals, with
CV TAG expressing concern that intervals of 3 weeks were becoming more common in
Auckland’s outbreak.
• The opportunity for CV TAG position statements to be shared publicly was noted as something
that could be explored in order to reinforce the current recommendation of 6 weeks.
• The new Pfizer results released showing a robust immune response in 5–11-year-olds given a 2
lower doses of the Pfizer vaccine were discussed. CV TAG wil continue to follow the evidence as
it emerges and raise any questions when meeting with Pfizer this week.
• No change to the current guidance.
1982
7.0
Next Steps/Decisions Pending
Act
None.
8.0
Any Other Business
Concern was raised with Dr Shane Reti incorrectly commenting on RNZ (21 September) that an interval
of 1 week was being considered, with the vaccine not being approved by Medsafe for this interval.
INFORMATION
Engagement with his office is required.
9.0
Agenda items for next meeting
Vaccines recognised for MIQ entry
OFFICIAL
Vaccines recognised for Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers
THE
10.0 New Action Items Raised During Meeting
UNDER Share finalised
57
Third dose for
immunocompromised recommendations with
Secretariat
IMAC
Share lists of vaccines
58
Vaccines recognised approved with their
Science and Technical
for arrivals
efficacies to inform
Advisory
RELEASED
discussion
Request data on positivity
59
Vaccines recognised
Science and Technical
for arrivals
rates from MIQ testing
requirements
Advisory
60
Third booster doses
Compile evidence on need Science and Technical
for booster doses
Advisory
Document 3
Reshare statement on the
61
Decision to use 12-
15-year-olds
benefit of longer dosing
Secretariat
intervals
62
Any other business
Discuss Pfizer dosing
interval with Reti’s office
Secretariat
Meeting closed at
11:51am Next meeting:
Tuesday 28 September – 11:00am to 12:00pm
Open Actions:
1982
#
Agenda item
Actions
Action Owner
Up
Act dates
Compile further evidence on
Science and
49
Pfizer dosing error
the link between dosing
Technical
31/08 – Action raised
intervals and reactogenicity.
Advisory
Science and
56
Third dose for
Finalise recommendations and
14/09 – Action raised
immunocompromised share with CVIP
Technical
INFORMATION
Advisory
57
Third dose for
Share finalised
immunocompromised recommendations with IMAC
Secretariat
21/09 – Action raised
OFFICIAL
Share lists of vaccines
Science and
58
Vaccines recognised
THE
for arrivals
approved with their efficacies to Technical
21/09 – Action raised
inform discussion
Advisory
Science and
59
Vaccines recognised Request data on positivity rates
UNDER
for arrivals
from MIQ testing requirements
Technical
21/09 – Action raised
Advisory
Science and
60
Third booster doses
Compile evidence on need for
booster doses
Technical
21/09 – Action raised
Advisory
RELEASED Reshare statement on the
61
Decision to use 12-
15-year-olds
benefit of longer dosing
Secretariat
21/09 – Action raised
intervals
62
Any other business
Discuss Pfizer dosing interval
with Reti’s office
Secretariat
21/09 – Action raised
Closed Actions Since Last Meeting:
Document 3
#
Agenda item
Actions
Action Owner
Updates
Draft CV TAG
52 Vaccines Recognised
Science and
07/09 – Action raised
for Returnees
recommendations and bring
back to group
Technical Advisory 21/09 - Action closed
1982
Act
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
Document 4
MINUTES: COVID-19 Vaccine Technical Advisory Group
Date:
Tuesday 05 October 2021
Time:
11:00am to 12:00pm
Location:
Out of scope
Chair:
Ian Town
David Murdoch, Elizabeth Wilson, Ian Frazer, James Ussher, Nikki Moreland,
Members:
1982
Peter McIntyre, Sean Hanna, Sue Crengle, Tony Walls
Act
Andi Shirtcliffe, Brooke Hollingshead, Chrisel e Braganza, Daniel Bernal,
Ministry of Health Attendees:
Edwin Reynolds, Erin Smith, Fiona Callaghan, Juliet Rumball-Smith, Pippa
Scott
Guests:
Kris Golding, Mariana Traslosheros Reyes
Caroline McElnay, Helen Petousis-Harris, John Tait, Niki Stefanogiannis,
Apologies:
Nikki Turner
INFORMATION
1.0
Welcome and previous minutes
Ian Town welcomed all Members and Attendees in his capacity as Chair of the COVID-19 Vaccine
Technical Advisory Group (CV TAG).
OFFICIAL
Minutes of the last meeting (21 September 2021) were accepted.
2.0
Vaccine Rollout
THE
The Chair provided an update on the vaccine rollout:
• The vaccine rollout continues to gather momentum, and further work is underway to engage with
at-risk communities through local providers and a focus on providing encouragement to those
UNDER
who are hesitant about getting the vaccine.
• It has been agreed that the default booking rules change back to a three-week interval, due to
the changing context of the Delta outbreak and the increased potential for circulating virus, there
is an increased need to get second doses administered
• The shift of resources to administering second doses was seen as anti-equity as it may divert
RELEASED
focus from outreach to Māori and Pasifika who have not yet had first doses, however it was noted
there is no shortage of vaccines or appointments to do both.
• There was some discussion on whether a longer interval should be kept for adolescents and
young people <30 due to wanting more data on the connection between intervals and side
effects.
• A shift back to three-week intervals would likely see an increase in people receiving their second
dose before the minimum of 21 days, and therefore continued communication on the minimum
interval between doses was needed.
Document 4
3.0
Vaccines recognised for MIQ entry and RSE workers
• Recommendations on the vaccination requirements for entering MIQ have been sent to CVIP. A
person can enter MIQ if they have been fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccines approved
by at least one government or authority around the world. Those who have been vaccinated with
a vaccine that is not approved by Medsafe or a Medsafe-approved authority wil be offered an
additional dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
• Recommendations on the vaccine requirements for RSE workers arriving to New Zealand have
been shared with Global Health and the Realm countries. While RSE workers were encouraged
to be ful y vaccinated before arriving, some wil arrive having only had one dose. RSE workers
who have had a ful course of AstraZeneca are considered ful y vaccinated. Those who have only
had one dose of AZ, or who have been vaccinated with Sinopharm (one or two doses) wil be
offered an additional dose of Pfizer.
4.0
Supporting evidence for Health Care Worker vaccination order
1982
Evidence in support of the mandatory vaccination of healthcare workers was reviewed by CV TAG:
Act
• The evidence was largely focussed on experience the Delta VOC and the benefits of the Pfizer,
vaccine, however other vaccines were also included in case healthcare workers may have been
vaccinated in other countries with other vaccines.
• A high level of individual protection against infection and disease is offered by the Pfizer vaccine.
This was seen as of importance to protect healthcare workers but also to ensure workforce
capacity remains steady.
• Preliminary evidence of the impact of vaccination on transmission is promising although
INFORMATION
protection against transmission may wane. Further evidence on this wil be reviewed, with a
particular focus on the impact of furloughing healthcare workers due to their being contacts.
5.0
VAANZ vaccine candidate development update and Research Project
OFFICIAL
An update was provided on the VAANZ vaccine candidates and research:
• VAANZ now have two second generation COVID-19 vaccine candidates in the process of
THE
advancing to manufacturing: An adjuvant sub-unit protein booster vaccine targeted to the Delta
variant, and a pan-coronavirus vaccine in development with Trans-Tasman partners, as part of
an mRNA platform to protect broadly across coronaviruses
• Phase 1 clinical trials for ea
UNDER ch of these candidates are expected to be running by early 2023.
• Research is underway to assess immunogenicity of the COVID-19 vaccine in recipients aged
over 16, and to assess differences in the immune response by ethnicity, age, and presence of
comorbidities. The study is fully-enrolled (302 recruited) including 29% Māori and 30% Pacific
Peoples. Data is expected in December 2021.
6.0
BMI needle length s
RELEASED tudy update
An update was also provided by the Ministry’s Post-Events team on the BMI needle length study:
• Recruitment is underway with about 100 participants currently recruited from the Mt Wellington
vaccination centre.
• However, the current lockdown restrictions in Auckland have provided challenges and further
funding has been requested from the Ministry of Health. A budget reforecasting is underway, and
the project wil have a longer run time.
Document 4
7.0
Science Updates
This item was not discussed.
8.0
Next Steps/Decisions Pending
None.
9.0
Any Other Business
None.
10.0 Agenda items for next meeting
Items that wil be brought to CV TAG in the near future include:
• Decision to Use for 5–11-year-olds and priority groups
1982
• Vaccine boosters for healthcare workers and the elderly
• Decision to Use for AstraZeneca (due to potential delays of Janssen)
Act
• Further discussions of vaccine requirements at the border
11.0 New Action Items Raised During Meeting
#
Agenda item
Actions
Action Owner
Vaccines recognised Share finalised memos with CV
63
for MIQ entry and
Secretar
INFORMATION iat
TAG
RSE workers
Meeting closed at
12:03pm Next meeting:
Tuesday 19 October – 11:00am to 12:00pm
OFFICIAL
Open Actions:
THE
#
Agenda item
Actions
Action Owner
Updates
UNDER
Compile further evidence on the Science and
49
Pfizer dosing error
link between dosing intervals
Technical
31/08 – Action raised
and reactogenicity.
Advisory
Science and
59
Vaccines recognised Request data on positivity rates
for arrivals
from MIQ testing requirements
Technical
21/09 – Action raised
RELEASED
Advisory
Science and
60
Third booster doses
Compile evidence on need for
booster doses
Technical
21/09 – Action raised
Advisory
Vaccines recognised
63
for MIQ entry and
Share finalised memos with CV
RSE workers
TAG
Secretariat
5/10 – Action raised
Document 4
Closed Actions Since Last Meeting:
#
Agenda item
Actions
Action Owner
Updates
Draft CV TAG
07/09 – Action raised
52 Vaccines Recognised
Science and
for Returnees
recommendations and bring
back to group
Technical Advisory 21/09 - Action closed
14/09 – Action raised
56 Third dose for
Finalise recommendations and
Science and
immunocompromised share with CVIP
Technical Advisory 21/09 – Action closed
21/09 – Action raised
1982
57 Third dose for
Share finalised
immunocompromised recommendations with IMAC
Secretariat
21/09 – Action closed
Act
Share lists of vaccines
21/09 – Action raised
58 Vaccines recognised
Science and
for arrivals
approved with their efficacies to
inform discussion
Technical Advisory 21/09 – Action closed
Reshare statement on the
21/09 – Action raised
61 Decision to use 12-15-
year-olds
benefit of longer dosing
Secretariat
intervals
21/09 – Action closed
INFORMATION
21/09 – Action raised
62 Any other business
Discuss Pfizer dosing interval
with Reti’s office
Secretariat
21/09 – Action closed
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
Document Outline
- 4216 Documents_Redacted.pdf
