PM warms to idea of vaccination passes
Move would help control Covid and be incentive to get jab,
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says a no jab-no entry policy in crowded places is likely to be part of a suite of measures to control Covid-19 and an incentive to get vaccination rates up.
Speaking to the Weekend Herald about the hopes of getting at least 90 per cent of the country vaccinated, Ardern said 90 per centplus promised a “more normal” life.
She described it as a “golden ticket” which would mean no, or restricted, lockdowns. Instead, Ardern said measures that did not have big impacts on daily life could be used.
The details of the restrictions that would apply at high vaccination rates would be released in the next few weeks. She confirmed it was likely to include vaccination passes — restricting entry to some venues to vaccinated people only or possibly those who could prove a negative test.
Such a tool could be useful if vaccination uptake stalled short of the 90 per cent mark, as it would act as an incentive for people to get vaccinated.
“But they might not necessarily be something that you have to use forever. Denmark used them for a period, a few months, and now it is optional.”
It is a change of heart by the Prime Minister, who previously said she was not comfortable with such a measure.
In an interview with the Herald in early August, Ardern said she was not keen on measures being used in countries such as France and Denmark where only vaccinated people were allowed into crowded venues such as restaurants, sports stadiums, concerts and night clubs.
“People would not consider it freedom of movement if you’re only able to go and partake in activities if you’re vaccinated. That’s a very different style of approach,” she said then.
Asked what had changed since, Ardern said she had seen how they worked alongside other measures in other countries.
“Having panned around now, I can see how they can fit into a toolbox. The other thing we’re seeing is some countries have used them initially for a period . . . It has helped increase vaccination rates and then they have not had to continue using them.
“So I do think options like that we should consider whether or not it is an extra way we can still get to go out and enjoy events and things in a way that doesn’t come at a great cost to everyone.”
Ardern said it could be part of a wider framework that could apply to help avoid lockdowns. “You might have some day to day measures, so you give a little bit every day so as not to have lockdowns every once in a while. It doesn’t have to be a huge departure from freedom.”
Ardern spoke to the Weekend Herald soon after modelling by Te Pu¯naha Matatini was released, indicating vaccination rates above 90 per cent of the population were needed to be sure of avoiding lockdowns and border restrictions.
The Herald last Saturday launched a campaign to get 90 per cent of eligible New Zealanders vaccinated by Christmas.
Director general of health Ashley Bloomfield has also said 90 per cent is “mission critical”.
Ardern said “90-plus” was her own hope.
“We’re not just saying 90 for the sake of it, 90 is what makes life feel more normal. And I think that’s what people are looking for. They’re saying what is going to make the difference to us in getting back to a way of life that doesn’t have the anxiety that everyone has had for a year and a half.”
The Pfizer vaccine is already approved for children over 12 in New Zealand, but extending that could be critical to getting more than 90 per cent of the population vaccinated.
Ardern said she would have daughter Neve vaccinated when she was eligible for it.
“Absolutely, if it went through our processes as it has every step of the war. As I’ve said before with the decisions that were made for the 12-plus [group], we sat around as both politicians and parents.”
Pfizer says it has confirmed a safe and effective paediatric dose of its vaccine for children aged 5 — 12.