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 […]
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 […]
Covid-19 at Home – Be Prepared Not Scared
Soon New Zealand will likely see cases of COVID-19 appearing across the country as the Auckland border opens for those vaccinated or with a negative test from 15th December 2021. Christmas is a busy time and so now is a good opportunity to make sure you have the necessary resources and be prepared to care […]
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 […]
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 […]
Time between doses of COVID-19 vaccine extended
From August 12th, the standard gap between the first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be 6 weeks. Moving to a longer gap enables more people to have their first dose of the vaccine sooner. This is an important part of New Zealand being prepared for a possible outbreak of the more infectious […]
Booking your vaccine online
Book my vaccine is the online booking system to book your Covid-19 vaccinations. → Find out more about Book my vaccine: Book your COVID-19 vaccination | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz) → Visit Book My Vaccine: Book My Vaccine | Ministry of Health NZ (covid19.health.nz) → Keep up to date with Covid and MS: MS and Covid-19 | Multiple Sclerosis Society of NZMultiple […]