9926 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

9926 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What assurance, if any, can the Minister provide regarding the availability and effectiveness of antiviral medications and vaccines in the event of a widespread outbreak of avian influenza in New Zealand?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised the New Zealand Government currently holds courses of H5N1 pre-pandemic vaccine made from a currently circulating avian influenza virus. The vaccine may be released for use by the Director-General of Health after considering all the relevant available information and the advice of the Director of Public Health. Vaccination would be prioritised to protect those at greatest risk. The effectiveness of this vaccine and the protection it may provide cannot be known ahead of time, however our vaccine holdings are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain current. In November 2024, the vaccine in the National Reserve Supply will be updated to one which more closely matches the current H5N1 strain. I am further advised that the antiviral medication Tamiflu (oseltamivir) reduces disease severity and mortality in humans cases with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1. This is currently held in the National Reserve Supply and can be released locally through a request to the Director of Emergency Management.