+Undoctored Independent experts to advise Government on post-vaccination future
Media release from minister for COVID-19 response Chris Hipkins and associate minister of health Ayesha Verrall
Thursday 8 April 2021, 08:44 AM
2 minutes to Read
The Government is acting to ensure decisions on responding to the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic are informed by the best available scientific evidence and strategic public health advice.
“New Zealand has worked towards an elimination strategy which has been successful in keeping our people safe and our economy in good shape,” Minister for COVID-19 Response Chris Hipkins said.
“One of our strengths has been our commitment to constantly learn and adapt.
An early piece of advice we d like is about what types of considerations feed into the decision about vaccine coverage targets, and whether they re helpful at all.” The group will be asked to consider whether there needs to be specific targets for coverage across the country’s regions, or ethnic and age groups, before the border can open. The Government has so far been reluctant to put a figure on how much of the population it wants to be vaccinated. The experts will also be asked to provide a view on models of the virus’ potential spread, report on the international evidence on how effective the vaccines were at blocking transmission of the virus, and advise on the risk to the non-immunised population.
Chris Hipkins said the best available scientific evidence will inform the group
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
One of its first tasks will be to advise on a vaccine target.
The six person group will be headed by epidemiologist Professor Sir David Skegg, and will be in place until mid next year.
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said having the group was to ensure future decisions were informed by the best available scientific evidence and strategic public health advice .
That would include looking at vaccination rates and scenarios should the borders reopen, interpreting scientific data for any decisions around the border, public health protections and consideration of the residual risk of the non-immunised population and the associated health system capacity needs once the border s open.
Covid 19 coronavirus: New scientist group to advise Govt on vaccine rollout, border changes
7 Apr, 2021 05:50 PM
3 minutes to read
There have been 90,200 vaccines administered to date. A total of 19,273 people have received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
There have been 90,200 vaccines administered to date. A total of 19,273 people have received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
RNZ
One of its first tasks will be to advise on a vaccine target.
The six-person group will be headed by epidemiologist Professor Sir David Skegg, and will be in place until mid next year.
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Sir David Skegg. Photo / Otago Daily Times, File
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