Important notice for MS patients regarding Evusheld
Important notice for MS patients regarding EvusheldTM. EvusheldTM is a pre-exposure prophylaxis, which has shown positive results for reducing the impacts of COVID-19 on those who may lowered immunity against COVID 19 due to their MS treatments. Evusheld is NOT a vaccine but consists of two synthetic antibodies (made in the laboratory) which help boost the immune […]
New measures to help manage COVID-19 as country stays at Orange
Covid-19 update from The Beehive: New Zealand to remain at Orange as case numbers start to creep up 50 child-size masks made available to every year 4-7 student in New Zealand 20,000-30,000 masks provided a week to all other students and school staff Extra funding to schools and early childhood services to supports better ventilation […]
Updated vaccination information and new phone number for disability assistance
There have been recent changes to eligibility for free flu vaccinations and second booster doses for Covid-19. A new call centre phone number for disability queries has been established 0800 11 12 13. Most staff on working on this line either have a disability or a lived experience of disability. Callers to this line can […]
Do you qualify for antiviral medication?
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and your symptoms started in the past 5 days and you are on Fingolimod or Ocrelizumab for your MS, you may be eligible for antiviral medication to treat COVID-19. Your GP can prescribe this for you. The antiviral drug available in the community to treat COVID-19 is called […]
New text service to support the deaf and hard of hearing communities to access the Covid vaccine
Efforts to support disabled peoples’ vaccinations go from strength-to-strength with the launch of a new text service, Minister for Disability Issues Carmel Sepuloni announced today. The service is run by Whakarongorau Aotearoa on behalf of the Ministry of Health and is in response to feedback from the disability community. It is an addition to the COVID Vaccination Healthline, which already offers dedicated phone and […]
Covid-19 AstraZeneca vaccine
The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is available for those aged 18 and older who cannot receive the Pfizer vaccine, and for people who would like a different option. Pfizer remains the preferred COVID-19 vaccine for use in New Zealand, reflecting its excellent safety and effectiveness profile. Both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines will protect you against the symptoms of […]
3rd Primary Dose COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance for People with MS
On the 19th of October 2021, the Ministry of Health, announced 3rd primary dose vaccinations for those who are severely immunocompromised. This announcement was based on recommendations by the COVID-19 Vaccine Technical Advisory Group (CV TAG) who continuously review evidence and provides advice to the Programme. Multiple Sclerosis NZ has prepared this information with advice […]
COVID-19 vaccination guidance for persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Updated 30 September 2021 Note: This information and advice has been put together by the Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists for patients with Multiple Sclerosis. The current number one health priority around the world is rapid and efficient roll out of an effective vaccine to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 200 […]
Keeping active and connected during lockdown
With lockdown continuing in New Zealand, it is important to keep active and connected with people, even those outside your bubble. In addition to keeping active for your physical health, it is important to take care of your mental health too. There are many suggestions on the internet on how to do this. The following […]
Carer Support - information for those funded by the Ministry of Health
Please note that this applies to those people who are funded by the Ministry of Health for disability support services only (i.e., not funded through DHBs (District Health Boards). Carer Support reimburses some of the costs of using a support person to care for and support a disabled person; this means their carer can take some time out […]