A vaccine expert says the justifications used for mandates now don't apply as much. 

Act leader David Seymour wants to see a move away from mandates, claiming the only thing they're currently good for is creating division.

Immunisation Advisory Centre medical advisor Peter McIntyre told Mike Hosking they were brought in to protect the health system and to reduce transmission of the virus.

“Both of those have changed with Omicron. We know the chances of severe disease have lessened, but still for the over-50s, they’re significant.”

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