Living Safely With Covid
@covidsafenz.bsky.social
Covid Safe NZ #CovidIsNotOver
Layers of Protection: Vaccines + Masks + Ventilation + Filtration
Indoor Air Quality Standards
Masks in Healthcare and Aged Care
Aotearoa New Zealand Kikorangi
Pandemics | Typos
Layers of Protection: Vaccines + Masks + Ventilation + Filtration
Indoor Air Quality Standards
Masks in Healthcare and Aged Care
Aotearoa New Zealand Kikorangi
Pandemics | Typos
🦠Heads up. BA.3.2 has arrived in NZ
BA.3.2 detected in Aotearoa New Zealand wastewater
3.2% for the week to 5 October
BA.3.2 is not shown in the fortnight to 19 Oct. However, variants with a national percentage of < 1% are not included so BA.3.2 is likely to still be circulating
BA.3.2 detected in Aotearoa New Zealand wastewater
3.2% for the week to 5 October
BA.3.2 is not shown in the fortnight to 19 Oct. However, variants with a national percentage of < 1% are not included so BA.3.2 is likely to still be circulating
October 30, 2025 at 4:06 AM
🦠Heads up. BA.3.2 has arrived in NZ
BA.3.2 detected in Aotearoa New Zealand wastewater
3.2% for the week to 5 October
BA.3.2 is not shown in the fortnight to 19 Oct. However, variants with a national percentage of < 1% are not included so BA.3.2 is likely to still be circulating
BA.3.2 detected in Aotearoa New Zealand wastewater
3.2% for the week to 5 October
BA.3.2 is not shown in the fortnight to 19 Oct. However, variants with a national percentage of < 1% are not included so BA.3.2 is likely to still be circulating
💉 Update on Pfizer’s application to register the LP.8.1 vaccine in NZ
15/9/2025: The initial appraisal has been completed with Medsafe now requesting additional information
No application on record from Biocelect to register the latest Novavax vaccine in New Zealand
15/9/2025: The initial appraisal has been completed with Medsafe now requesting additional information
No application on record from Biocelect to register the latest Novavax vaccine in New Zealand
September 16, 2025 at 2:58 AM
💉 Update on Pfizer’s application to register the LP.8.1 vaccine in NZ
15/9/2025: The initial appraisal has been completed with Medsafe now requesting additional information
No application on record from Biocelect to register the latest Novavax vaccine in New Zealand
15/9/2025: The initial appraisal has been completed with Medsafe now requesting additional information
No application on record from Biocelect to register the latest Novavax vaccine in New Zealand
Confirmation that Pharmac has cancelled the New Zealand Covid vaccine Advance Purchase Agreement with Novavax
Source: 6 Aug 2025 SEC filing
Source: 6 Aug 2025 SEC filing
August 7, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Confirmation that Pharmac has cancelled the New Zealand Covid vaccine Advance Purchase Agreement with Novavax
Source: 6 Aug 2025 SEC filing
Source: 6 Aug 2025 SEC filing
"Using lab-based models, researchers found NB.1.8.1 had the strongest binding affinity to the human ACE2 receptor of several variants tested – suggesting it may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains." Lara Herrero
May 29, 2025 at 8:30 PM
"Using lab-based models, researchers found NB.1.8.1 had the strongest binding affinity to the human ACE2 receptor of several variants tested – suggesting it may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains." Lara Herrero
Thinking about this some more…
The “exceptional circumstances” framework for requesting an alternative vaccine is highly restrictive.
People should be allowed to self-attest to needing an alternative to the Pfizer vaccine.
8/
The “exceptional circumstances” framework for requesting an alternative vaccine is highly restrictive.
People should be allowed to self-attest to needing an alternative to the Pfizer vaccine.
8/
May 21, 2025 at 6:18 AM
Thinking about this some more…
The “exceptional circumstances” framework for requesting an alternative vaccine is highly restrictive.
People should be allowed to self-attest to needing an alternative to the Pfizer vaccine.
8/
The “exceptional circumstances” framework for requesting an alternative vaccine is highly restrictive.
People should be allowed to self-attest to needing an alternative to the Pfizer vaccine.
8/
#Novavax NZ Covid vaccines still up in the air
“In July 2024, the Pharmaceutical Management Agency (Pharmac) provided notice of its termination of the New Zealand advance purchase agreement. We are in ongoing discussions with Pharmac to resolve this matter.”
“In July 2024, the Pharmaceutical Management Agency (Pharmac) provided notice of its termination of the New Zealand advance purchase agreement. We are in ongoing discussions with Pharmac to resolve this matter.”
May 20, 2025 at 7:39 PM
#Novavax NZ Covid vaccines still up in the air
“In July 2024, the Pharmaceutical Management Agency (Pharmac) provided notice of its termination of the New Zealand advance purchase agreement. We are in ongoing discussions with Pharmac to resolve this matter.”
“In July 2024, the Pharmaceutical Management Agency (Pharmac) provided notice of its termination of the New Zealand advance purchase agreement. We are in ongoing discussions with Pharmac to resolve this matter.”
Just learned about this dating app for Covid conscious peeps.
Has anyone had any success with Refresh Connections?
Would love to hear some success stories.
www.refreshconnections.com
Has anyone had any success with Refresh Connections?
Would love to hear some success stories.
www.refreshconnections.com
May 15, 2025 at 6:06 AM
Just learned about this dating app for Covid conscious peeps.
Has anyone had any success with Refresh Connections?
Would love to hear some success stories.
www.refreshconnections.com
Has anyone had any success with Refresh Connections?
Would love to hear some success stories.
www.refreshconnections.com
Exactly. That will slip by some.
Probably not clear from text. Access for 65+ is the same.
New government ignores evidence from MoH that Maori and Pacific people have worse Covid outcomes due to socioeconomic factors: poverty, crowded living conditions, not being enrolled patients, etc.
Probably not clear from text. Access for 65+ is the same.
New government ignores evidence from MoH that Maori and Pacific people have worse Covid outcomes due to socioeconomic factors: poverty, crowded living conditions, not being enrolled patients, etc.
May 9, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Exactly. That will slip by some.
Probably not clear from text. Access for 65+ is the same.
New government ignores evidence from MoH that Maori and Pacific people have worse Covid outcomes due to socioeconomic factors: poverty, crowded living conditions, not being enrolled patients, etc.
Probably not clear from text. Access for 65+ is the same.
New government ignores evidence from MoH that Maori and Pacific people have worse Covid outcomes due to socioeconomic factors: poverty, crowded living conditions, not being enrolled patients, etc.
“… Under this administration, we are prioritizing the Gold Standard of Science--not what saves pharma companies "tens of millions of dollars." #Novavax
April 27, 2025 at 12:25 AM
“… Under this administration, we are prioritizing the Gold Standard of Science--not what saves pharma companies "tens of millions of dollars." #Novavax
We need to protect and build up public health, not muzzle it.
Stuff: “‘It’s censorship’: Public health leaders slam ‘Trumpian’ edict”
www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...
Stuff: “‘It’s censorship’: Public health leaders slam ‘Trumpian’ edict”
www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...
![Public health leaders say the Government’s insistence on vetting advice from senior public health doctors is unprecedented and deeply concerning.
But Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has hit back at concerns, saying he’s “cheering on Simeon [Brown] putting those muppets back in their box”. In doing so, Seymour indicated the vetting directive had come directly from the health minister’s office.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rageht5msv2yo4cai4p2sqye/bafkreiaozq3cuybqshf63mx5pmli6vpsy3uvoszlnlbcaavtsegksujaou@jpeg)
March 20, 2025 at 11:44 PM
We need to protect and build up public health, not muzzle it.
Stuff: “‘It’s censorship’: Public health leaders slam ‘Trumpian’ edict”
www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...
Stuff: “‘It’s censorship’: Public health leaders slam ‘Trumpian’ edict”
www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...
Some public health departments are still doing their job.
The Victorian Department of Health in Australia public health messaging from today.
COVID continues to be a part of our lives. Learn more about our 6 protective steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
1/2
The Victorian Department of Health in Australia public health messaging from today.
COVID continues to be a part of our lives. Learn more about our 6 protective steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
1/2
March 17, 2025 at 4:50 AM
Some public health departments are still doing their job.
The Victorian Department of Health in Australia public health messaging from today.
COVID continues to be a part of our lives. Learn more about our 6 protective steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
1/2
The Victorian Department of Health in Australia public health messaging from today.
COVID continues to be a part of our lives. Learn more about our 6 protective steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
1/2
Who is at higher risk for developing Long COVID?
Anyone.
People at higher risk may include those who did not receive an updated 2024 - 2025 COVID-19 vaccine.
@healthnewzealand.bsky.social under 30 year olds need access to boosters - rolled out contemporaneously with the US, not 6 months later.
Anyone.
People at higher risk may include those who did not receive an updated 2024 - 2025 COVID-19 vaccine.
@healthnewzealand.bsky.social under 30 year olds need access to boosters - rolled out contemporaneously with the US, not 6 months later.
March 7, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Who is at higher risk for developing Long COVID?
Anyone.
People at higher risk may include those who did not receive an updated 2024 - 2025 COVID-19 vaccine.
@healthnewzealand.bsky.social under 30 year olds need access to boosters - rolled out contemporaneously with the US, not 6 months later.
Anyone.
People at higher risk may include those who did not receive an updated 2024 - 2025 COVID-19 vaccine.
@healthnewzealand.bsky.social under 30 year olds need access to boosters - rolled out contemporaneously with the US, not 6 months later.
NZ Long Covid warning: 'Silent organ damage is a real problem'
Public health experts are urging the government to protect people from #LongCovid, which they say could have already affected 250,000 New Zealanders.
1/
Public health experts are urging the government to protect people from #LongCovid, which they say could have already affected 250,000 New Zealanders.
1/
March 5, 2025 at 10:29 PM
NZ Long Covid warning: 'Silent organ damage is a real problem'
Public health experts are urging the government to protect people from #LongCovid, which they say could have already affected 250,000 New Zealanders.
1/
Public health experts are urging the government to protect people from #LongCovid, which they say could have already affected 250,000 New Zealanders.
1/
Covid Hates This: 5 ‘Weird’ Tricks to Keep Viruses Away /s
@edhyde.bsky.social shares his protocol to protect himself, his patients and family: Masks, air purifiers, testing, CO2 monitoring, avoiding crowded public transport.
www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3605...
@edhyde.bsky.social shares his protocol to protect himself, his patients and family: Masks, air purifiers, testing, CO2 monitoring, avoiding crowded public transport.
www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3605...
March 4, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Covid Hates This: 5 ‘Weird’ Tricks to Keep Viruses Away /s
@edhyde.bsky.social shares his protocol to protect himself, his patients and family: Masks, air purifiers, testing, CO2 monitoring, avoiding crowded public transport.
www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3605...
@edhyde.bsky.social shares his protocol to protect himself, his patients and family: Masks, air purifiers, testing, CO2 monitoring, avoiding crowded public transport.
www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3605...
‘Our scientists are going to Australia’: Dr Michael Baker warns NZ is losing pandemic expertise
“I think we've got so much capacity we built up during the pandemic and so much expertise. We need to retain that and build on that.”
1/
“I think we've got so much capacity we built up during the pandemic and so much expertise. We need to retain that and build on that.”
1/
March 3, 2025 at 7:16 PM
‘Our scientists are going to Australia’: Dr Michael Baker warns NZ is losing pandemic expertise
“I think we've got so much capacity we built up during the pandemic and so much expertise. We need to retain that and build on that.”
1/
“I think we've got so much capacity we built up during the pandemic and so much expertise. We need to retain that and build on that.”
1/
❌Myth #4: “Social distancing and hand washing alone stops the spread of COVID.”
✅Fact: Most of the time, COVID is spread through the air!
We now know that it commonly spreads over larger distances moving like smoke, lingering in the air.
5/
✅Fact: Most of the time, COVID is spread through the air!
We now know that it commonly spreads over larger distances moving like smoke, lingering in the air.
5/
February 15, 2025 at 12:41 AM
❌Myth #4: “Social distancing and hand washing alone stops the spread of COVID.”
✅Fact: Most of the time, COVID is spread through the air!
We now know that it commonly spreads over larger distances moving like smoke, lingering in the air.
5/
✅Fact: Most of the time, COVID is spread through the air!
We now know that it commonly spreads over larger distances moving like smoke, lingering in the air.
5/
❌Myth #2: “I feel fine, which means I don’t have COVID.”
✅Fact: People can spread COVID before they have symptoms and know they’re sick, or have asymptomatic infections!
This is why precautions like wearing a mask, especially in public, helps protect everyone, even if you “feel fine.”
3/
✅Fact: People can spread COVID before they have symptoms and know they’re sick, or have asymptomatic infections!
This is why precautions like wearing a mask, especially in public, helps protect everyone, even if you “feel fine.”
3/
February 15, 2025 at 12:41 AM
❌Myth #2: “I feel fine, which means I don’t have COVID.”
✅Fact: People can spread COVID before they have symptoms and know they’re sick, or have asymptomatic infections!
This is why precautions like wearing a mask, especially in public, helps protect everyone, even if you “feel fine.”
3/
✅Fact: People can spread COVID before they have symptoms and know they’re sick, or have asymptomatic infections!
This is why precautions like wearing a mask, especially in public, helps protect everyone, even if you “feel fine.”
3/
Matt McGorry and the NYC Health Department @nysdoh.bsky.social have partnered to create this informative video dispelling myths about Covid.
❌Myth #1: “COV!D is mild now.”
1/
❌Myth #1: “COV!D is mild now.”
1/
February 15, 2025 at 12:41 AM
Matt McGorry and the NYC Health Department @nysdoh.bsky.social have partnered to create this informative video dispelling myths about Covid.
❌Myth #1: “COV!D is mild now.”
1/
❌Myth #1: “COV!D is mild now.”
1/
The disappearing table on possible cat to human and human to cat transmission of HPAI H5N1
February 8, 2025 at 7:51 PM
The disappearing table on possible cat to human and human to cat transmission of HPAI H5N1
According to a survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2024 32.1% of households, equating to 42.2 million households, own a cat.
Total number domestic cats in the US: 73.8 million.
Should be fine, right? /s
www.avma.org/resources-to...
Total number domestic cats in the US: 73.8 million.
Should be fine, right? /s
www.avma.org/resources-to...
February 7, 2025 at 1:19 AM
According to a survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2024 32.1% of households, equating to 42.2 million households, own a cat.
Total number domestic cats in the US: 73.8 million.
Should be fine, right? /s
www.avma.org/resources-to...
Total number domestic cats in the US: 73.8 million.
Should be fine, right? /s
www.avma.org/resources-to...
Screenshot of CDC MMWR website
February 6, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Screenshot of CDC MMWR website
#Novavax efficacy = 73.5% effective against infection in the 4 weeks after the second dose of the initial vaccination series in COVID naive 12-17 year olds.
Study period: June 1 to Dec 17, 2021. Delta is the dominant variant during this time period.
Study period: June 1 to Dec 17, 2021. Delta is the dominant variant during this time period.
February 1, 2025 at 9:38 PM
#Novavax efficacy = 73.5% effective against infection in the 4 weeks after the second dose of the initial vaccination series in COVID naive 12-17 year olds.
Study period: June 1 to Dec 17, 2021. Delta is the dominant variant during this time period.
Study period: June 1 to Dec 17, 2021. Delta is the dominant variant during this time period.
MOH/IMAC cost benefit analysis decided against additional vaccines for <30.
Note: Pharmac consulting this year on narrowing criteria for funded vaccines in 2026.
+ IMAC recommending a private pay option for those who don’t get funded vaccines.
threadreaderapp.com/thread/18466...
Note: Pharmac consulting this year on narrowing criteria for funded vaccines in 2026.
+ IMAC recommending a private pay option for those who don’t get funded vaccines.
threadreaderapp.com/thread/18466...
![Tweet by covidsafenz IMAC, March 2024:
"The Committee considered it would be advantageous for people not eligible for funded [COVID-19] vaccines to have the option to purchase vaccines if they wished. It it is suppliers who will decide whether they will support a private market for vaccines."
Screenshots below text state The Committee noted that there are currently no COVID-19 vaccines available for purchase privately by individuals who are not eligible for funded vaccination. The Committee considered it would be advantageous for people not eligible for funded vaccines to have the option to purchase vaccine if they wished. The Committee noted
that it is suppliers who will decide whether they will support a private market for vaccines. The Committee considered the uptake of privately purchased vaccine would likely be driven by the retail price and that there would be affordability-related inequity in access to the vaccine.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rageht5msv2yo4cai4p2sqye/bafkreictcrmzvdx57ybl5hp7sdzsg3m5ljzc4fyjkc6h2wr36k5rotqir4@jpeg)
January 10, 2025 at 5:19 AM
MOH/IMAC cost benefit analysis decided against additional vaccines for <30.
Note: Pharmac consulting this year on narrowing criteria for funded vaccines in 2026.
+ IMAC recommending a private pay option for those who don’t get funded vaccines.
threadreaderapp.com/thread/18466...
Note: Pharmac consulting this year on narrowing criteria for funded vaccines in 2026.
+ IMAC recommending a private pay option for those who don’t get funded vaccines.
threadreaderapp.com/thread/18466...