The Ministry of Health has accepted a key finding of the COVID-19 Royal Commission’s final report, acknowledging a “significant failing” over how expert advice on vaccine mandates for 12–17-year-olds was provided to Ministers and communicated to the public.

The Commission found that overall the country’s pandemic response was considered and appropriate, and that the vaccine approval and safety monitoring processes were robust. But it also identified instances where public service actions fell short, highlighting delays and unclear communication around advice on whether mandates for 12–17-year-olds were justified based on health risk.

Deputy Director-General of the Public Health Agency, Dr Andrew Old, said the Ministry would review its processes to ensure timely, clear, evidence-based advice. “We recognise the importance of timely, evidence-based communication for maintaining public trust and confidence. In this instance, the standard was not met,” he said.

Dr Old stressed the advice at issue related specifically to whether a mandate was justified for that age group, not to the overall benefits and risks of the vaccine itself. The Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine remains approved for use in this age group here and in many other countries.

The Ministry has been named Lead Response Agency to the final report and will work with other public service agencies to prepare advice for the Government, supporting Health Minister Simeon Brown as Lead Response Minister. Dr Old thanked people across the health system for their work and acknowledged what many experienced during the pandemic. “As the Inquiry notes, both the pandemic and the response have left scars,” he said.

With COVID-19 activity currently rising, the Ministry is encouraging eligible people—particularly those at greater risk of poor outcomes—to consider an additional dose. People aged 12 to 15 can receive a single initial dose, with additional doses available for those at high risk of severe illness or who are pregnant. Anyone aged 30 and over can have an additional dose regardless of previous vaccinations, with extra emphasis on people over 65, Māori and Pacific peoples over 50, aged-care residents and those with severe immunocompromise. Further details are available via Health New Zealand.

The Royal Commission was established on 9 December 2022 to examine the pandemic response and identify lessons for future events. In November 2024, its scope was expanded to include a review of key decisions taken during 2021 and 2022. The final report was presented to Parliament today and is available on the Commission’s website. Dr Old said the Ministry would take time to consider the wider “Phase Two” findings, which have implications across government, and use them to strengthen preparedness for future pandemics.