COVID-19 Vaccination – Your Questions Answered

Last Updated - 5 November 2021

This resource outlines questions and answers Tāngata whai i te ora, tāngata mātau ā-wheako and their whānau as well as people working in mental health and addiction services, have about the COVID-19 vaccination. It is informed by a survey carried out by Changing Minds, and a knowledge exchange webinar in July 2021 hosted by Dr Edwin Reynolds from the Immunisation Advisory Centre, with support from Whāriki and Equally Well champions.

Download the full COVID-19 vaccination questions and answers document.

It’s important to note the vaccine is not compulsory, so not everyone will choose to have one. Please contact your GP if you have any questions or concerns, or you can call or text 1737 if you need to talk.

We have included the most common questions and answers below. You can also click here to download and read more of the responses to the questions we received from the Changing Minds whānau.

How the vaccine was developed?

We are very lucky in Aotearoa New Zealand to be rolling out the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, known by most of us as the Pfizer vaccine or ComirnatyTM. Studies so far show this vaccine is highly effective against COVID-19 (94%), it has few side-effects, and there are no safety concerns about giving it to people taking other medications as well as during pregnancy.

Science has come a long way since the early days of vaccine development and there have been real breakthroughs in design - particularly with the newer mRNA and vector-based vaccines which are leading the way. The technology behind the COVID-19 vaccine has been in development for decades. This meant that when the need for a COVID-19 vaccine arose, some of the work was already done and it could be quickly progressed and tested in people.

What are the potential side effects and how long do side effects last?

Most people experience no or mild side effects. The most commonly known side effects include pain in the arm where the vaccine was given, headache, feeling feverish, fluey, and nausea. These usually last for a day or two after vaccination.

The side effects are caused by your immune system preparing to protect you from future infection. Serious reactions such as allergic reactions are very rare.

Are there any interactions with other medications or substances?

There are no known interactions between the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine and psychotropic medications or other substances.

Please check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure. No medications prevent you from having a COVID-19 vaccination, but the timing of vaccine can be discussed with your doctor to ensure you have the best possible immune response.

If you are taking immunosuppressant medication or undergoing cancer treatment, it is best to discuss the ideal time to get your COVID-19 vaccine with your doctor, before booking it in.

Important Links:

You can click here to find out more information about the criteria and vaccine advice for specific groups.

Visit here to find out how to book your vaccine if you’ve decided you want one.

This information was compiled by Changing Minds to support Tāngata Mātau ā-wheako in choosing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If you would like to share this information, we ask that you state clearly that you are sharing a resource or information and that no personal information has been provided to Changing Minds.