An MIQ worker is calling for clarity around Covid-19 vaccines recognised in New Zealand after he was inoculated in China.
He said there has been confusion among his employer and health workers regarding whether he is considered fully vaccinated after receiving two doses of Sinopharm.
The Ministry of Health said it’s considering whether other vaccines could be allowed for border workers, but at the moment Pfizer is the only one recognised here.
Immunisation Advisory Centre medical advisor Professor Peter McIntyre said international evidence shows Sinopharm performs reasonably well when it comes to protecting people from severe illness, but it’s not as good at producing antibodies as Pfizer.
McIntyre said New Zealand needed to consider its position on people who have been inoculated overseas with different vaccines.
The Ministry of Health said in a statement that being vaccinated is not a requirement for entry into the country and it’s looking at the broader issue of recognised vaccines for inbound travellers to New Zealand.
It said it’s preparing advice for the government and any decisions will be made public in due course.
