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The NZDSA focus for the COVID-19 Bulletin is to sift through all the information about COVID-19 and then collate and share information that is most pertinent to the Down syndrome community.
The NZDSA has collated information that we hope you find useful.
Please note we will continue to share information relative to Covid-19 however it may not be as frequent as the fortnightly COVID-19 Bulletin. Please feel free to find information on our website, as well as past Covid-19 Enewsletters.
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NZDSA VIRTUAL CONFERENCE TO CELEBRATE DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH - 3RD OCTOBER TO 21ST OCTOBER 2022
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Registration is now open to all events The NZDSA Virtual Conference to Celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Please follow this link to view and register for free:
Our first event is this Tuesday the 3rd of October, be sure to register now for Getting to the good life – The importance of having a vision hosted by Bridget Snedden president of Down Syndrome International (DSi).
The theme for the NZDSA Virtual Down Syndrome Conference is “Inclusion” and we will be offering a huge variety of high-profile Kiwi and international expert speakers who will cover a wide range of topics including Enabling Good Lives, education, employment, relationships, siblings, and more! The conference will include topics for people with Down syndrome, parents, siblings, whānau, educators, professionals and allies.
The NZDSA is delighted to offer free registration to the Virtual Conference, and by utilising modern video conferencing technology, we can remove both the geographical and financial barriers that have previously prevented our community from participating in a national conference. The Virtual Conference is an opportunity for our community to connect from the comfort of their homes or during a lunch time break to explore key topics related to Inclusion, meet with other members of our community and celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
Remember to save the date! 3rd October to the 21st October with sessions at 7pm during the week and some lunchtime weekday sessions. We will also have a few sessions on Saturday mornings and afternoons.
See you in October at the NZDSA Virtual Conference!
PLEASE NOTE: we are utilising Zoom's newest Events software for the Virtual Conference and you may need to update your current Zoom software. But don't worry, it is very easy to do so - when you register you will receive an online ticket via email, at the bottom of this ticket there is a link to update your software if required, we recommend you do this before the events start.
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CHANGES TO THE COVID-19 PROTECTION FRAMEWORK (TRAFFIC LIGHTS)
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The COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights) was removed on 12 September 2022.
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Only people who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to isolate for seven days
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Masks will only be legally required when visiting certain healthcare facilities
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More people will have access to anti-viral medicines
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All remaining Government workforce vaccine mandates will end on 11:59pm 26 September 2022
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All vaccination and testing requirements for travellers arriving by air or sea in New Zealand end.
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COVID-19 RESPONSE AND VACCINATION UPDATE
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On Wednesday 21 September 2022 an update was provided on the COVID-19 response and vaccinations. In case you missed the update you can watch this above.
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NEW RULES FOR HOUSEHOLD CONTACTS
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Household Contacts do not need to isolate. If you are a Household Contact, you should test daily for 5 days with a rapid antigen test (RAT) from the day the person with COVID-19 tested positive.
To reduce the risk of infecting others, during these 5 days you should wear a face mask when you leave your home. If you test positive for COVID-19, you must self-isolate for 7 days. The Close Contact Exemption Scheme for critical workers has ended.
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FACE MASKS IN THE COMMUNITY
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People visiting the following healthcare settings must wear a mask during the time you are at that location:
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primary care - this includes any appointments you have with community healthcare providers, such as a general practitioner (GP), practice nurse, nurse practitioner, other health professionals working within a GP setting, and Iwi and Pacific healthcare providers
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urgent care – this includes after hours clinics and accident and emergency
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hospitals
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pharmacies
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aged residential care
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disability-related residential care
This requirement does not apply to people visiting psychotherapy, counselling, or mental health and addiction service premises. There are other places and situations where wearing a mask is strongly recommended. These include when you:
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are a household contact and are testing daily for five days
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are at higher risk of getting very sick
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are travelling on public transport
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want to reduce your risk of becoming unwell
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are in a location where there is greater risk of infection spreading between people
Because masks are still an effective tool for reducing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, the Government will continue to supply them for free when picking up RATs and in many other sites.
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EXTENSION OF NOVAVAX PRIMARY DOSES DOWN TO 12 YEARS
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From 22 September people aged 12 and over can now receive a primary course of the Novavax (Nuvaxovid) COVID-19 vaccine (a primary course is generally 2 doses).
The extension to those aged 12 years to 17 years (inclusive) is only for a primary course, not boosters. Novavax is only available as a booster for those aged 18 years and above.
The Pfizer vaccine is the preferred vaccine being used in New Zealand; however, the addition of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine provides additional choice for 12- to 17-year-olds who haven’t been vaccinated.
The interval between doses of the primary course is a minimum interval of 3 weeks (same as for Pfizer).
A prescription will still be required for a second primary dose of Novavax if the first dose was Pfizer. You can get a prescription at a vaccination clinic offering Novavax or prior to your appointment with your preferred GP. Visits to a GP for a Novavax prescription are free.
Novavax is only available at select vaccination sites.
Bookings can be made through BookMyVaccine. If you select Novavax, the site will show a list of vaccination centres where Novavax can be given.
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AGING IN - MINOR VACCINATION CHANGE FOR CHILDREN TURNING 12
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From 22 September children aged 5-11 would still get a paediatric dose as their first dose, but if they turn 12 before their second dose, they will now receive the adult dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
An 8-week gap is recommended between the paediatric and adult doses.
This change only affects those who turn 12 between receiving their first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Children under 12 are still only eligible for paediatric doses.
Children aged 12 and over can receive either Pfizer or Novavax, but a prescription is needed for Novavax. Only Pfizer paediatric doses are available for children aged under 12.
This change is particularly important for those children with complex health issues or immunocompromised, who are at higher risk from COVID-19, to ensure they are fully protected with vaccine doses appropriate for their age.
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COVID-19 WELFARE SUPPORT - CHANGE IN HOURS
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From 19 September MSD’s COVID Welfare Response line, 0800 512 337, and regional triage teams will be available Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, and Saturday 8am-1pm.
They will no longer operate on Sundays or public holidays. The type of support available to people self-isolating remains the same.
People can still use the online form available on the Work and Income website at any time. Any requests received outside MSD’s operating hours will be processed as soon as possible on the next business day.
There is an escalation process in place which health practitioners can use if they’re particularly concerned about someone needing urgent support out of hours. This will continue to be available.
This change reflects the drop in demand for COVID Welfare Support from people self-isolating over recent weeks, with very few requests now being received on a Sunday. The volume of calls is expected to drop further now that household contacts no longer need to isolate.
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RECENTLY UPDATED GUIDANCE
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The Ministry of Health and Te Whatu Ora regularly review guidance to ensure it is in line with the latest public health advice. Any updated or new guidance are published on the Ministry of Health website, on the COVID-19 Health Hub, in our COVID-19 health key messages and on Āwhina.
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A RANGE OF COVID-19 SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE
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A range of COVID-19 support and assistance remains available, including a dedicated disability helpline (Phone 0800 11 12 13/Text 8988), welfare support, access to facemasks, rapid antigen testing, COVID-19 vaccinations and anti-viral medicines.
The Unite against COVID-19 website is the best place to get the latest information on the changes, and the support available:
COVID-19 support and information for disabled people in New Zealand | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)
Information for tāngata whaikaha Māori is also available at the following website:
Karawhiua — Tāngata whaikaha
New Zealand has systems in place to monitor COVID-19 at home and internationally.
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ACCESS TO ANTIVIRAL MEDICINES WIDENED
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More New Zealanders now have access to antiviral medicines, with new criteria more than doubling the number of people who may be eligible.
The antiviral medicines treat early COVID-19 and help people who are likely to get seriously ill, be less sick and stay out of hospital. From this week:
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Anti-viral medicines will be available for free to any New Zealander 65 and over who tests positive for COVID-19.
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For Māori and Pacific peoples, these medicines will be available for free to anyone aged 50 and over. In addition, anyone with three high-risk conditions is eligible for free anti-viral medicines.
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40,000 additional courses of anti-viral medicines have been purchased by the Government and they are expected to enter New Zealand in the coming weeks.
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COVID-19 UP TO DATE INFORMATION
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Visit the Covid-19 Support and information for Disabled People webpage for current information relative to people with disabilities.
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DEDICATED PHONE HELP LINE FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
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0800 11 12 13 - the Covid-19 Disability Helpline started off as a vaccination helpline. Their services have extended, now including offering assistance for when a support worker is unavailable to provide for a person's urgent needs.
The Covid-19 disability helpline can provide assistance with:
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vaccines
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applying for face mask exemptions
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advice on Covid-19 testing
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guidance with managing Covid-19 at home
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backup if a support worker is unavailable to provide for a person’s urgent needs.
The helpline is open 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. From 8am-8pm a person with experience or knowledge of disability will answer the call and assess the urgency of your situation and provide advice or assistance. After 8pm calls will be answered by a trained member of the Healthline team.
The disability helpline is provided by Whakarongorau, a telehealth provider that manages several support phone lines including Healthline.
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CARER SUPPORT FLEXIBILITY EXTENDED
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Carer Support Flexibility will continue until 30 September 2022 for those eligible for Carer Support or IF currently through the Ministry of Health Disability Support Services.
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People no longer need to have COVID-19 symptoms or be a household contact to get free RATs.
You can order RATs online at https://requestrats.covid19.health.nz/ before going to pick them up.
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Eligibility for free flu vaccines has widened, with children aged 3-12 years and people with serious mental health or addiction needs, now eligible for free flu dose.
As well as the expanded criteria for funded flu vaccinations being announced, flu vaccinations are also free for people aged 65 and over, Māori and Pacific people aged 55 and over, anyone who is pregnant and people with underlying health issues like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.
The Ministry is encouraging all health and disability sector employees to get immunised against flu. To support health and disability workers not employed by DHBs, the Ministry of Health will reimburse employers the costs associated with vaccinating their patient- and client-facing employees.
Applications for flu vaccination reimbursement up to a maximum of $35 plus GST will be processed between 1 May 2022 and 30 September 2022. Guidance on applying for a reimbursement can be found here.
More information, including information in easy read format is available: Flu (influenza) vaccine information on the Ministry of Health website
Detailed information, including a simple application template is available on the Ministry of Health website.
Information is also included in the Minister of Health’s media release: More free flu vaccines and a second COVID-19 booster to groups at risk of hospitalisation
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DID YOU MISS THE COVID-19 VACCINATION SESSIONS? WATCH THEM HERE:
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If you missed the highly informative sessions on the 29th August and September 8th you can watch the recording and access links to additional resources
For more information on the Covid Vaccination, click here
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A range of COVID-19 resources are available, including for disabled people
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Don't forget to check our website regularly to ensure you are up to date with the latest news on COVID-19, and how it affects you.
We will also be sending updates via email, so make sure to keep an eye out for COVID updates from us.
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We want to acknowledge celebrations, everyday achievements, exciting milestones and tributes for people with Down syndrome in New Zealand. Please send us a photo and details such as name and age (if appropriate). We would always welcome you including a short story/paragraph. Please email hello@nzdsa.org.nz We’d love to share these stories via our NZDSA e-news and on our Facebook page.
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Would you like to become a NZDSA Member? Becoming a member entitles you to receive the quarterly NZDSA Journal, resources and self-advocates have the opportunity to attend camps. For more information or to become a member email Rose at nzdsai@xtra.co.nz or visit our website https://nzdsa.org.nz/become-a-member/
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