Pharmac has secured a new supply agreement with Pfizer to
continue funding the Comirnaty brand of COVID-19 vaccine.
This means Comirnaty will remain the main funded vaccine in
New Zealand from 1 February 2026 through to at least 30
September 2027, with options to extend until 2029.
The
vaccine will continue to be available in a range of doses
for infants, children, and adults. A new prefilled syringe
for adults will also be introduced, making it easier for
health professionals to administer the vaccine. This
decision follows a competitive procurement process and
advice from the Immunisation Advisory
Committee.
“We’re pleased to confirm ongoing
access to Comirnaty for New Zealanders,” says Director
Pharmaceuticals Adrienne Martin. “The introduction of
prefilled syringes will help streamline the vaccination
process and support our health workforce.”
Pharmac
has updated its proposal after listening to feedback from
clinicians and the public.
“In June, we
invited people to share their views and received nearly
2,100 responses. We’re grateful to everyone who took the
time to contribute – your insights help shape our
decisions,” says Martin.
Pharmac
received a wide range of views about the COVID-19 vaccine
during consultation, both supporting and disagreeing with
the use of vaccines, which it has shared with respective
agencies such as the Ministry of Health. The Comirnaty
COVID-19 vaccine, funded by Pharmac, has been approved by
Medsafe as meeting New Zealand and international standards
of safety and effectiveness.
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Some people supported
securing a future vaccine supply and introducing prefilled
syringes. Others requested private access for those not
currently eligible, and some highlighted the need for
updated variant or combination vaccines.
Views on
eligibility varied, some advocated for broader access for
children under 12, while others preferred a more targeted
approach. In response, Pharmac has made important changes to
ensure more people who are at most need of protection can
access it:
- Children under 12 who are severely
immunocompromised or at high risk of serious illness will
now be eligible for extra doses every 6 or 12 months
respectively. - Children and young adults aged 12–29
who are severely immunocompromised or at high risk of
serious illness will be able to receive updated vaccines
every 6 months.
“People wanted to make sure
those who need the vaccines the most could access it,”
says Martin. “These changes reflect our commitment to
protecting those most at
risk.”
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