Vaccines Ngā kano ārai mate

“That we were able to get most of our population vaccinated before COVID-19 took hold in New Zealand means that we have never felt the worst effects of the pandemic. Despite COVID-19 being now prevalent in New Zealand…our deaths from COVID-19 continue to be much, much lower than had we taken a different approach.”

Southeast Asian/Chinese male, Auckland

Some people told us they considered that COVID-19 vaccines helped to protect vulnerable people. These people were grateful a vaccine was available, and often agreed with vaccine mandates because they helped achieve a high vaccination rate.

Some people praised the fact that vaccines were available for free and were easy for people to get or spoke positively about the vaccine rollout more generally.

More people, though, expressed concerns about the way the vaccine rollout was handled.

They criticised how some groups were offered incentives like vouchers or food to get vaccinated. They felt this was manipulative or unfair.

Others criticised the speed of the vaccine rollout, noting that more people should have been able to get vaccinated sooner. People also told us that access to the vaccine was more difficult for some, depending on various factors like their age, ethnicity, where they lived, or whether they could actually get to a vaccine centre due to work commitments or transport issues.

Some people felt that vaccinators administering the vaccine weren’t always properly trained or informed.

“I believe that the vaccination rollout, from a standstill, was an impressive feat; clearly we learnt as we progressed along the way.”

45–54 year-old male, Canterbury

Some people commended the New Zealand Government for letting other countries get the vaccine first. They commented that this helped countries facing worse situations, and allowed decision-makers here a useful opportunity to observe the vaccine rollout overseas. Some also felt that, as long as it isn’t urgent, the Government should apply this wait-and-see approach in any future pandemics.

People also praised the Government for taking a bit more time than other countries to choose the best COVID-19 vaccine.

People who felt the Government did a good job of securing the vaccine felt it was obtained quickly enough, and the same approach should be taken in the future.

Others felt that the Government took too long to get access to a vaccine compared to other countries, and this slowed down the rollout.

People also told us that in any future pandemic, the Government should be more proactive and ensure Aotearoa New Zealand gets earlier access to vaccines.

“My GP couldn’t/wouldn’t tell me what was in the vaccine, or elaborate on possible side effects, he just kept saying ‘safe and effective’ – so I couldn’t give informed consent or get an exemption.”

45–54-year-old male, Canterbury

People told us they felt that the way the vaccine was promoted was harmful, often calling it propaganda or noting that it was based on fear or guilt. Some felt that messaging exaggerated the safety of the vaccine, or how well it worked.

Some people criticised the lack of information available about the vaccine’s side effects or what it was made of, stating that people did not have enough information to give informed consent.

“People’s medical information should be private. Even during a pandemic, we should be able to keep our privacy.”

35–44-year-old male, Waikato

Some people felt vaccine passes were effective and made people feel safer, commenting that a similar system should be used in any future pandemics.

Far more people spoke about issues with the vaccine pass system, stating it was unnecessary, as the vaccine alone should have protected people from COVID-19, or

that vaccine passes promoted discrimination towards unvaccinated people.

Others said vaccine passes breached people’s privacy, often noting they were uncomfortable with others knowing their private medical information.

Some people simply stated that people should never be stopped from accessing places and services based on their vaccination status.

Some people who had existing health issues, or who had reacted badly to other vaccinations in the past, told us of their hesitancy to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. These people often described feeling forced or ignored by the medical profession and their employers, who they said dismissed their concerns and insisted that they be vaccinated. In some cases, these people said they did get vaccinated due to the pressure they faced, but in many cases they did not. Those who chose not to get vaccinated often told us about how they were treated badly because of this decision.

Most people who told us they had concerns about COVID-19 vaccines also told us they disagreed with vaccine mandates. Some stated that young and healthy people shouldn’t have been mandated because of the low risk of COVID-19 to this group, and the higher risk of experiencing myocarditis or other heart-related side effects from the vaccine.