The New Zealand Covid Vaccine Programme is currently being rolled out and will soon be available for those with disabilities and high-risk health concerns.

We acknowledge the high level of interest within the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Community for information about how the vaccines are impacting people with MS globally, and when they will be available.

To mark World MS Day, Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand and the Ministry of Health are pleased to be co-hosting a webinar on Wednesday 2nd June from 6pm - 7.30pm.

Professor David Tscharke is a person with MS, an MS Researcher and Head of the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University. David has helped inform the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation and our friends at MS Research Australia on COVID-19 vaccines, as well as providing short courses on vaccines for the Australian Government.

David’s talk will cover several key questions the MS Community are raising, such as:

• what does the Pfizer vaccine do to your immune system?

• How the vaccine will work with MS medications available in NZ?

• Are there any key concerns around timings to be aware of for other vaccines or Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs)?

• What is the research telling us?

Our second speaker, Ray Finch has been seconded to the Ministry of Health, tasked with designing the vaccine rollout plan specifically for the disability community. Ray is working to ensure the issues and concerns of the sector are considered as the vaccination programme is implemented. Ray will discuss the key information you need to know.

While the webinar will cover some specific MS information, we also welcome attendees with other health conditions and disabilities who will be interested in the roll out information and to have the opportunity to hear more from the Ministry directly.

Registration is free and we welcome pre-event questions. This will help us ensure that the webinar addresses YOUR important questions. On registration you will receive an email to be able to pre-submit these questions. You will be sent the Zoom access details prior to the event.

The webinar will be recorded for those unavailable to attend on the day.

Please note that our speakers will be unable to answer any questions about individual circumstances. We recommend speaking to your health team about any specific concerns you have about the vaccine.

Date: Wednesday 2nd June 2021

Time: 6pm - 7.30pm

Cost: Free