Overseas double jab not recognised

Kiwi software developer Sam Deuchrass has travelled the United States for work three times this year, been fully vaccinated there, and tested negative for Covid-19 over 70 times.

But back in New Zealand, he won’t receive a vaccination certificate to prove his double-jab status – at least not yet.

Deuchrass received his first vaccination in Georgia in April, and his second in North Carolina in the weeks following.

‘‘I walked into Walmart, and it was that easy. They [United States] are that on top of the entire vaccination process. Say what you want about [their] initial handling [of their Covid19 response], but the vaccination process is so efficient,’’ he said.

‘‘They are opening up everything for business now and in coming back to New Zealand, I feel like I have stepped back in time.’’

Deuchrass was administered the FDA approved Moderna vaccine, but he wants the same freedoms to be given to Pfizer-vaccinated Kiwis under the new traffic light system.

Deuchrass arrived back in New Zealand on September 30.

When he inquired about getting his USA vaccine certificate converted to a viable certificate here in New Zealand, or his vaccination status at least documented, he was told by MIQ health officials to get in touch with the Ministry of Health.

The ministry directed him to his local GP, who then directed him back to the ministry.

‘‘I gave the Ministry of Health a ring a month ago, and they said, ‘hey, this is not the procedure, this is not the way to do things, we don’t have a pathway, so we can’t help you’.’’

When he called his local GP in Invercargill, he was told they hadn’t been advised on how to handle vaccinated individuals returning from overseas.

‘‘My doctor said the best they can do is keep a photo of my CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] vaccine certificate but they can’t actually add it to my national health index.

‘‘The CDC [certificate] has been distributed to over 150 million people in the United States.’’

At the beginning of September, Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said a system for verifying overseas vaccinations was being worked on as a matter of urgency.

On Wednesday, however, the ministry said a process for those vaccinated overseas was not yet available but ‘‘these are all things we are working through’’.

‘‘This includes determining how overseas Covid-19 vaccination can be recorded in New Zealand’s Covid19 Immunisation Register, what form

of proof of prior vaccination would be required, who would check that documentation, and what the policy rules will be for who is eligible for a New Zealand-issued Covid-19 vaccination certificate,’’ said a ministry spokesperson.

They acknowledged returning New Zealanders who are vaccinated would want their status recognised in New Zealand and be able to obtain a New Zealand Covid-19 vaccination certificate.

Deuchrass said emails sent to the ministry and Health Minister Andrew Little had gone unanswered.

‘‘Coming back to New Zealand, I feel like I am losing out. It’s

disappointing to go all the way through the full MIQ process, get vaccinated overseas, and to be let down,’’ he said. ‘‘They [MoH] have had six months to get a process in place of allowing other vaccines and other countries’ certificates to be recognised here.’’

If push comes to shove, will he get the Pfizer vaccine as well? ‘‘If I have to,’’ said Deuchrass.

‘‘It is quite a regressive way to deal with things. Before people in New Zealand were getting jabs in their arms, I took the initiative to get [the vaccine] over there.’’

Epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker said it was becoming increasingly important to know people’s Covid vaccination status.

‘‘Up until recently our vaccination status has made no real difference – it has been for our own peace of mind and protection. But it is going to make a difference to everything we do when the new system comes into play.’’

Baker said it was possible to mix the various heterogeneous vaccines, and they could act as a booster. However, there had not been any trials done on the optimal spacing of these booster shots.

‘‘It may be that we need three shots for maximum protection.

‘‘There are still studies working out the most effective dosing, and we need more trials,’’ said Baker.

He said he would like to see a clear process of the vaccination certificate roll-out which clearly approves the safe and proven vaccines administered overseas.

On August 12, the Government announced a reconnecting strategy which involved speeding up vaccinations.

The plan will introduce an ‘‘individual risk-based approach’’, allowing vaccinated travellers from low-risk countries quarantine-free entry into New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Deuchrass said his work would likely be put on hold until this issue had been resolved. He was told by his manager to make sure he was officially recognised as being vaccinated in New Zealand before going ahead with work here.