133 Molesworth Street
PO Box 5013
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
T +64 4 496 2000
W www.medsafe.govt.nz
16 December 2024
M.R.M
By email: [FYI request #29190 email]
Ref:
H2024056188
Tēnā koe M.R.M
Response to your request for official information
Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) to the Ministry of
Health – Manatū Hauora (the Ministry) on 18 November 2024 for:
1. A copy or copies of the document/s which confirm the exact date on which the N.Z.
government first became aware that reducing transmission was not an outcome measured
in trials of the Pfizer vaccine.
2. A copy or copies of the document/s in which the N.Z. government first became aware
that the Pfizer vaccine did not reduce transmission.
3. A copy or copies of the document/s which confirm the exact date on which the N.Z.
government first became aware that reducing transmission had (subsequent to the date
applicable in 1. above) changed into an outcome measured in trials of the Pfizer vaccine.
Medsafe’s role in granting vaccine approval was to assess the vaccine for its quality, safety, and
efficacy. Medsafe did not approve any COVID-19 vaccine for prevention of transmission, as the
sponsors did not request this indication or provide evidence in support of such an indication. The
COVID-19 vaccine reduced transmission by reducing symptoms in infected individuals, therefore
by exhibiting less symptoms, transmission was reduced. Additionally, those immunised are less
likely to fall seriously ill. Therefore, your request is refused under section 18(g)(i) of the Act, the
information requested is not held by the Ministry and there are no grounds for believing it is held
by another agency subject to the Act.
COVID-19 vaccination passports were introduced as a public health measure to help manage the
spread of the virus while continuing to restore economic activity.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request with us, including this decision, please feel free
to contact the OIA Services Team on:
[email address].
Under section 28(3) of the Act, you have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review any decisions
made under this request. The Ombudsman may be contacted by email at:
[email address] or by calling 0800 802 602.
Please note that this response, with your personal details removed, may be published on the
Manatū Hauora website at:
www.health.govt.nz/about-ministry/information-releases/responses-
official-information-act-requests. Nāku noa, nā
Chris James
Group Manager
Medsafe
Page 2 of 2
