26 Nov 2021

New options to get My Vaccine Pass as demand high

10:24 am on 26 November 2021

More options will be available for people to get their Covid-19 vaccine passes, as call centres face unprecedented demand.

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Photo: Jae Park/ Unsplash

The Ministry of Health says more than 2 million passes have been issued since they were launched last week, and demand is continuing to grow.

National digital services group manager Michael Dreyer says the 0800 222 478 support number received nearly 70,000 calls yesterday.

"We are expecting a lot more requests in the coming days online however it has been our call centres that have faced unprecedented demand with higher volumes experienced than vaccine bookings."

Three call centres are working to answer the phones and they have extended hours to meet demand, he said.

The passes can now be posted out, and nearly 400 pharmacies that administered vaccines are also able to help people get their document.

People are asked to be patient when seeking their pass and to use the My Covid Record website if they are able to.

New Zealand moves into the traffic light framework at 11.59pm 2 December.

Vaccine passes will be valid for six months from their issue date.

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