This is our main page for COVID-19 information.
The Ministry of Health advice is under active review - please use their website as the source of correct, up to date information at all times.
Our resource section is full of COVID-19 resources, use the COVID-19 filter to find them all or search by keyword.
This is to advise that from 1 July 2024, a small number of COVID-19-specific telehealth services funded by Te Whatu Ora and provided by Whakarongorau Aotearoa / New Zealand Telehealth Services, are being decommissioned.
This is because New Zealand has moved beyond the COVID-19 pandemic response, and demand for specific COVID-related services – including some telehealth services – has reduced over time.
Te Whatu Ora will manage COVID-19 as part of business as usual. This is consistent with their approach to managing other communicable diseases across the health system, with a number of COVID-19 pandemic-specific services already disestablished as part of this process.
The services no longer available from 1 July 2024 include:
For further information and support after 1 July, please refer to:
(Note that members of the public can still call Healthline for free 24/7 on 0800 611 116 for health advice, information and support).
Te Whatu Ora acknowledges the ongoing efforts of all healthcare professionals and Whakarongorau Aotearoa in supporting New Zealanders to access healthcare services.
From 01 July 2024, Te Whatu Ora will transition its health response to COVID-19 and manage it as it does other communicable diseases and respiratory conditions. From 1 July 2024, there are important changes that you need to be aware of.
Free rapid antigen tests (RATs) from the Te Whatu Ora central supply will continue to be available for providers to access until 30 September 2024. Provider access to personal protective equipment from the Te Whatu Ora central supply will end on 30 June 2024. Free RATs will also remain available to the public via Te Whatu Ora's Māori and Pacific distribution channel until 30 September 2024.
COVID-19 vaccines remain free and available to eligible people aged 6 months and over. Pharmac has not made changes to the funded eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccines and there are no changes planned for 1 July 2024. The current eligibility criteria will still apply from 1 July 2024. If Pharmac were to consider changes to the eligibility criteria, they will consult publicly to ensure feedback from the healthcare sector and the community is considered before making any changes. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, including eligibility criteria, visit the Pharmac website.
You can view and download Unite Against COVID-19 branded assets and resources through the COVID-19 Resource Toolkit.
Jan Adams, General Manager MHN / Nursing Director
jan.adams@pinnacle.health.nz
021 904 460
Jo Scott-Jones, Clinical Director
drjo@pinnacle.health.nz
027 475 0488
During the COVID-19 lockdown virtual consultations for POAC cases were funded. We are pleased to announce that this will be a permanent change.
Read moreDo you know someone in the respiratory field or community who deserves recognition for their achievements in the community? Nominations are open for the 2024 Respiratory Achievers’ Awards, recognising people with respiratory conditions, and those working in the field of respiratory health, who have made personal achievements and/or positive impacts in their community.
Read moreThis funding is available for a GP/NP consultation with patients eligible for an advance prescription for COVID-19 anti-viral medication, prior to them testing positive for COVID-19. There is no obligation for a clinician to issue an advance prescription.
View details