MS: Busting the Myths
July 23, 2021 | Covid-19
Vaccinating against COVID-19 reduces the risk of the virus to you, your whānau, and your community. The more people that vaccinate the stronger we will be. The Ministry of Health is giving everyone over 16 the opportunity to get their free vaccine this year, vaccinating those at greater risk first.
From today, Friday 23rd July, people in Group 3 can call the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 to book their vaccination if they don’t already have an appointment.
What Group am I in?
Group 3: The Ministry of Health have confirmed that people diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis are considered under Group 3 for access to the Pfizer COVID Vaccine (Comirnaty).
You’re in Group 3 if you:
Roll out of Group 3 has begun in most DHBs but access is dependent on availability. Eligibility is due to people with MS having a health condition that means you’re eligible for a free publicly-funded flu vaccination: Eligibility criteria | Influenza – Immunisation & Vaccination Info, NSIG New Zealand. For more information see: COVID-19: Vaccine advice for specific groups and health conditions | Ministry of Health NZ
Group 2: Disabled persons living in long-term residential settings/communal care, people with complex care needs who have multiple carers supporting their daily life, or who live in the Counties Manukau DHB area, are considered under Group 2.
I have received an invitation to book my vaccine. What do I do?
If you have received an invitation to book you are encouraged to use the link in your invitation to book online.
I have not received an invitation to book my vaccine? What do I do?
If you are in Group 2 or 3 and have not received an invitation you can make a booking by calling 0800 28 29 26 between 8am and 8pm 7 days a week.
When calling to make a booking the booking team will work hard to find a time that works to meet your needs.
What if I’m not ready to make my booking?
If people in Group 2 or 3 don’t book straight away they won’t miss out and will still be able to book when bookings start opening up to Group 4 at the end of July.
What information do I need when calling the 0800 number?
Booking your vaccination over the phone will take around 15 minutes.
When you call it’s a good idea to have your NHI (National Health Index) number ready to make the booking process quicker, but if you don’t have your NHI number you can still call.
If the COVID Vaccination Healthline is busy when you call, you’ll need to wait to talk to one of the operators and you’ll be told an estimate of how long you need to wait. You can choose to call back at a more convenient time if you prefer.
Translators are available if needed.
Is there any more information I can read?
For more information about MS, COVID-19 and the vaccines see on our website here. You can watch our latest webinar and read more about the vaccines and DMTs.
The Ministry of Health has compiled several easy read resources about Covid-19, the vaccine, rollout and staying safe. We encourage you to take a look at these which may be able to answer some of your questions: COVID-19: Easy Read information | Ministry of Health NZ
Information in alternate formats and other languages will be available at https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-vaccine-resources
The Ministry of Health have also provided information on their website about misinformation and scams if you are unsure about the validity of any of the information you are receiving.
Read all of our Covid-19 related articles here.
Image: Photo by Fusion Medical Animation on Unsplash