Kia ora,

 

Thank you for your Official Information Act (the Act) request. This is
an automatic reply to let you know we received it.

 

Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic response, the Ministry is experiencing
significantly higher volumes of queries and requests for information. We
will endeavour to acknowledge your request as soon as possible. Further
information about COVID-19 can be found on our
website: [1]https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/dise...

 

Please be advised that due dates for requests received from 29 November
2021 onwards take into account the following periods:

 

Christmas (25 December 2021)

Summer Holidays (25 December to 15 January)

New Year's Day (1 January 2022)

Day after News Year's Day (2 January 2022)

 

If you'd like to calculate the due date for your request, you can use the
Ombudsman's online calculator here: [2]http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/

If you have any questions while we're processing your request, please let
us know via [3][email address]

 

Ngā mihi  

OIA Services Team  

   

[4]Ministry of Health information releases  

[5]Unite against COVID-19 

 

 

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References

Visible links
1. https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/dise...
2. http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=15517&a...
3. mailto:[email address]
4. https://www.health.govt.nz/about-ministr...
5. https://covid19.govt.nz/

Kia ora Jason,

 

Thank you for your request for official information. The Ministry's
reference number for your request is: H202117844.  

 

Please be advised that due dates for requests received from 29 November
2021 onwards take into account the following periods:

 

Christmas (25 December 2021)

Summer Holidays (25 December to 15 January)

New Year's Day (1 January 2022)

Day after News Year's Day (2 January 2022)

 

Your request has been logged and you can expect a reply no later than 28
January 2022 as required under the Official Information Act 1982.

 

Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic response, the Ministry is experiencing
significantly higher volumes of queries and requests for information. If
we are unable to respond to your request within this time frame, we will
notify you of an extension of that time frame.

 

If you have any queries related to this request, please do not hesitate to
get in touch.

 

Ngā mihi

 

OIA Services

Government Services

Office of the Director-General

Ministry of Health

E: [1][email address]

 

 

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Tçnâ koe Jason 

 

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 11 December 2021 for: 

 

“I would like to request information in relation to the Covid Vaccination
exemption form. 

I would like to know why you cannot get an exemption if you have Guillain
Barr Sydrome prior to vaccination, which is an adverse effect of the
Pfizer vaccine which has now been reported.” 

 

The Ministry has robust systems and processes in place to assess Temporary
Medical Exemptions. Applications are assessed against the Temporary
Medical Exemption criteria that can be found at:
[1]www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/pages/vaccine-temporary-medical-exemption-30nov21.pdf.
 

 

The Temporary Medical Exemption Panel includes medical and nurse
practitioners with relevant expertise and a Mâori health leader. This
includes a clinical immunologist and allergist, consultant neurologist,
clinical pharmacologist and endocrinologist, and primary health care
expertise. The panel also consults with external experts as required. Each
application is considered on its merits and in light of the supporting
medical evidence. Once considered, the Panel will make a recommendation to
the Director-General of Health. The Temporary Medical Exemption Criteria
are regularly reviewed. This Panel look at any new clinical evidence that
is available and make an assessment if this requires changes to the
clinical criteria. 

 

People with Guillain Barr Syndrome who believe they will have/or have had
an adverse reaction to either of the two COVID-19 vaccinations available
(Pfizer and AstraZeneca) are encouraged to have a conversation with their
primary health practitioner, to discuss their options and whether to apply
for an exemption. 

 

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: [2][email address] or by calling 0800
802 602. 

  

Ngâ mihi  

OIA Services Team  

   

[3]Ministry of Health information releases  

[4]Unite against COVID-19 

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References

Visible links
1. https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/...
2. mailto:[email address]
3. https://www.health.govt.nz/about-ministr...
4. https://covid19.govt.nz/