One year since the pandemic was declared, we must ensure equitable vaccine rollout

On the anniversary since the COVID-19 pandemic was first declared globally, Green MP Golriz Ghahraman is calling for a fair and equitable distribution of vaccinations here and overseas.

“The Government has done a fantastic job of keeping COVID-19 largely out of New Zealand, and we welcome the release of the schedule for the vaccine rollout.

“We must make sure that the vaccine is as equitable as possible, prioritising most at risk of contracting the virus and/or being seriously harmed by the virus because of age, disability or underlying health conditions.

“I’ll be seeking assurance from the COVID-19 Response Minister that workers like teachers, bus drivers, or hospitality workers, who have underlying health conditions or are immune-compromised will get quick and timely vaccination.

“There will be New Zealanders who fall into that group who will be glad that they now know roughly when they will be vaccinated, but will be really stressed that as category three they will need to wait until May for protection.

“I will be exploring with the Minister whether there will be extra provision to ensure at-risk New Zealanders who have to work in the community can be vaccinated as soon as possible.

“The Green Party are also once again calling on the Government to support calls by India, South Africa and other nations to ease trade rules that would make sure COVID-19 vaccines are affordable to Developing World nations.

“Receiving the vaccine should be a basic human right for everyone in the world no matter where you live, we must make sure every country is able to access a vaccine fairly and equitably.

“The sooner populations across the world are vaccinated, the sooner we will all be safe.” 

ENDS

Latest Covid19 Response Announcements

Story

Government gets it right on COVID settings

Maintaining the current COVID-19 isolation requirement is the right decision, the Green Party says.
Read More

Story

Summer COVID plan needed

The Green Party has been left wondering if the Government signed off for the summer break before putting in place a COVID plan. 
Read More

Story

COVID inquiry disappointingly narrow

The Green Party welcomes a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic – but is disappointed with the narrow scope.
Read More

Story

Lasting public health measures needed for COVID response ahead of future waves

Winding down COVID powers does nothing to change the fact that stronger public health measures are needed to protect our immunocompromised and disa...
Read More

Story

Vital public health measures still missing from COVID response

Strong public health measures are more vital than ever, the Green Party says as the Government removes many longstanding COVID-19 restrictions. 
Read More

Story

Better long-term planning needed for COVID

COVID-19 is here to stay and so the Government needs to put in place long-term protection measures, including mandatory ventilation standards, the ...
Read More