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Coronavirus crisis: New Zealand regulator clears AstraZeneca vaccine

Ben McKayAAP
New Zealand's drug safety regulator has approved AstraZenica for use in the fight against COVID-19.
Camera IconNew Zealand's drug safety regulator has approved AstraZenica for use in the fight against COVID-19. Credit: AAP

New Zealand will consider whether to incorporate AstraZenica in its fight against COVID-19 after the vaccine received regulator signoff.

Medsafe has now approved three vaccines for use in New Zealand - Pfizer, Janssen and AstraZenica.

However, Jacinda Ardern’s government has committed solely to Pfizer for its initial vaccination program.

Ms Ardern has pledged that every consenting Kiwi will receive at least their first jab of the two-dose treatment this year.

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“We are in a fortunate position to now have three vaccines receive provisional approval. Cabinet is yet to consider whether to use the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in New Zealand,” associate health minister Ayesha Verrall said.

While the drug may not be folded into New Zealand’s rollout, it is central to plans to vaccinate the Pacific.

New Zealand has pledged millions of doses to its lesser developed Pacific neighbours, and plans to do so with the less logistically-challenging AstraZenica vaccine.

Unlike Pfizer, which requires refrigeration at very low temperatures, AstraZenica can be stored at fridge-like levels.

New Zealand has signed a deal with AstraZenica for 7.6 million doses - enough for 3.8 million people - last year.

Medsafe has cleared the vaccine for use in adults above 18 years of age.

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