# My Vaccine Pass

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Vaccine certificate in New Zealand

My Vaccine Pass Type COVID-19 vaccine passport Issued by New Zealand First issued 3 December 2021 Purpose Proof of one's COVID-19 vaccination status Eligibility New Zealand vaccine recipients Expiration 1 June 2022 Rights Access to certain hospitality venues and gatherings

**My Vaccine Pass** was a [vaccine certificate](/source/Vaccine_passports_during_the_COVID-19_pandemic) issued by the [New Zealand Government](/source/New_Zealand_Government) that served as an official record of one's [COVID-19](/source/COVID-19) vaccination status during the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic_in_New_Zealand). The vaccine pass was required to enter hospitality venues, community, sport and faith-based gatherings, as a result of the [COVID-19 Protection Framework](/source/COVID-19_Protection_Framework) having come into effect on 3 December 2021.[1][2] The passes expired on 1 June 2022.

## Description

Paper version of My Vaccine Pass

Vaccine Pass app

My Vaccine Pass is an official record of one's COVID-19 vaccination status in New Zealand. Anyone above the age of 12 who has received two COVID-19 vaccines in New Zealand or who has been given a medical exemption can request a "My Vaccine Pass" via the "My COVID Record" website. The pass contains the individual's name, date of birth and a QR code. This pass can be saved on a digital device such as a phone and can also be printed.[3][2] Those lacking a smartphone or computer access can also request a My Vaccine Pass by a phone call.[2] A printed version of the Pass can also be obtained in person for free at pharmacies that provide COVID-19 vaccinations.[3]

The Ministry of Health contracted the tech company [MATTR](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=MATTR&action=edit&redlink=1) to develop New Zealand's domestic and international vaccine pass apps as well as the [NZ Pass Verifier](/source/NZ_Pass_Verifier) app.[4] As part of the contract, MATTR has developed the NZ COVID Pass specification,[5] which uses [Elliptic-curve cryptography](/source/Elliptic-curve_cryptography) and [CBOR Web Tokens](/source/CBOR_Web_Token) to encode a person's credentials in a [QR code](/source/QR_code) and assert that the person is considered vaccinated. The specification allows for a creation of third-party verifier apps, which can use [Decentralized identifier](/source/Decentralized_identifier) document that Ministry of Health publishes to verify pass signatures.[6]

On 23 November 2021, [Hipkins](/source/Chris_Hipkins) confirmed that once the My Vaccine Pass has been downloaded, an [Internet](/source/Internet) connection is not required to operate it. However, the app's device should be regularly connected to the [Internet](/source/Internet) to remain up to date.[7]

The My Vaccine Pass is valid for six months from the date of issue since booster shots may be required and because medical exemptions are only valid for six months. If vaccination passes are still required after a pass has expired, users will need to request another one to prove that their vaccinations are current.[2]

Under the Government's [COVID-19 Protection Framework](/source/COVID-19_Protection_Framework), the My Vaccine Pass is compulsory for entering a range of public settings including events, hospitality (cafes, restaurants and bars), close contact businesses such as hairdressers and beauticians, retailers, sporting events, and faith-based gatherings. However, the vaccine pass is not needed to access essential services such as supermarkets, pharmacies, health and disability services, food banks, petrol stations, public transportation, schools, housing and housing support services. Children under the age of 12 do not need to show proof of vaccination status. Certain businesses and event managers are required to check customers' My Vaccine Pass with the NZ Pass Verifier app.[3][2][8]

### Overseas travel

My Vaccine Pass cannot be used for international travel. People travelling overseas have to apply for a separate "[International Travel Vaccine Certificate](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=International_Travel_Vaccine_Certificate&action=edit&redlink=1)."[3] People can request a travel vaccine certificate on the My COVID Record or via a phone call. The International Travel Vaccination Certificate complies with [European Union](/source/European_Union) Digital COVID Certificate standards and is valid for one year upon issue.[9]

### Overseas vaccination

Individuals who have been vaccinated overseas can apply to the [Ministry of Health](/source/Ministry_of_Health_(New_Zealand)) to have their overseas vaccination record added to New Zealand's COVID Immunisation Register (CIR) prior to applying for their My Vaccine Pass. The COVID Vaccination Technical Advisor Group recognises eight overseas vaccines for the My Vaccine Pass; namely the [Pfizer–BioNTech](/source/Pfizer%E2%80%93BioNTech_COVID-19_vaccine), [Janssen](/source/Janssen_COVID-19_vaccine), [Oxford–AstraZeneca](/source/Oxford%E2%80%93AstraZeneca_COVID-19_vaccine) (including [Covishield](/source/Oxford%E2%80%93AstraZeneca_COVID-19_vaccine#Brand_names)), [Moderna](/source/Moderna_COVID-19_vaccine) and [Sinopharm BIBP](/source/Sinopharm_BIBP_COVID-19_vaccine) vaccines and [CoronaVac](/source/CoronaVac) and [Covaxin](/source/Covaxin).[3][2]

## History

The New Zealand Government rolled out the "My Vaccine Pass" on 17 November 2021 as part of its preparation to move New Zealand into the [COVID-19 Protection Framework](/source/COVID-19_Protection_Framework) ("traffic light system").[1][2]

The launch of the My Vaccine Pass was complicated by the "My COVID Record" website's cyber defence systems mistaking the large number of visitor requests for [distributed denial of service](/source/Distributed_denial_of_service) (DDOS) attacks. As a result, customers initially faced delays in obtaining their vaccine certificates.[10] In addition, New Zealand International Students Association national president Afiqah Ramizi expressed concerns that My Vaccine Pass system only accepted New Zealand and Australian identity documents, making it hard for foreign passport holders to obtain the vaccine certificates. Other international students also questioned health authorities' decision to only recognise eight vaccine types.[11]

On 19 November 2021, seven businesses including gym chain [Les Mills International](/source/Les_Mills_International) announced that they would be trialling the new vaccine passes using the [NZ Pass Verifier](/source/NZ_Pass_Verifier), which had been made available to them early. The Government plans to launch the NZ Pass Verifier app the following week for businesses and event holders.[12]

By 3 December 2021, almost 70% of the 3.6 million fully vaccinated population in New Zealand (roughly 2.4 million) had downloaded their official vaccine passes.[13]

On 23 March 2022, [Prime Minister](/source/Prime_Minister_of_New_Zealand) [Jacinda Ardern](/source/Jacinda_Ardern) announced that the Government would eliminate My Vaccine Pass requirements from 11:59 pm on 4 April 2022 as part of a series of changes to the "traffic light system." As part of the new policy, people would no longer have to be vaccinated in order to enter venues covered by the vaccine pass. Ardern indicated that the Government could also update vaccine passes in May or June 2022 to require three doses of the vaccine for those workplaces still requiring them.[14][15]

## Issues and responses

### Accessibility

Māori academic Dr Karaitiana Taiuru expressed concern that the My Vaccine Pass would be inaccessible to rural and elderly Māori communities that lacked Internet access or a smartphone. In addition, many lacked a landline which he claimed was needed for ordering a postal version.[16]

In order to address the "digital divide" for individuals who have limited access to email or phone apps required to carry the pass, people can apply for vaccine passes at some pharmacies.[13]

### Fraud

On 17 December 2021, [Stuff](/source/Stuff_(website)) reported that some My Vaccine Pass users were having their vaccine passes stolen and sold on an online platform using [cryptocurrencies](/source/Cryptocurrency) such as [Dogecoin](/source/Dogecoin). Stuff reported that this online platform had a backlog of requests and hundreds of subscribers. The platform also claim it would buy legitimate vaccine passes for NZ$75 and also recommended harvesting legitimate certificates from unwary users. This fraud was complicated by the lack of a legal requirement that the vaccine pass be checked against a form of photo identification.[17]

## Notes and references

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-RNZ_My_Vaccine_Pass_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-RNZ_My_Vaccine_Pass_1-1) ["'My Vaccine Pass' launched"](https://web.archive.org/web/20211117072648/https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018820876/my-vaccine-pass-launched). *[Radio New Zealand](/source/Radio_New_Zealand)*. 17 November 2021. Archived from [the original](https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018820876/my-vaccine-pass-launched) on 17 November 2021. Retrieved 18 November 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ODT_My_Vaccine_Pass_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ODT_My_Vaccine_Pass_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-ODT_My_Vaccine_Pass_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-ODT_My_Vaccine_Pass_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-ODT_My_Vaccine_Pass_2-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-ODT_My_Vaccine_Pass_2-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-ODT_My_Vaccine_Pass_2-6) ["All you need to know about My Vaccine Pass"](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/all-you-need-know-about-my-vaccine-pass). *[Otago Daily Times](/source/Otago_Daily_Times)*. [Allied Press](/source/Allied_Press). 17 November 2021. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211116225357/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/all-you-need-know-about-my-vaccine-pass) from the original on 16 November 2021. Retrieved 18 November 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Unite_against_COVID-19_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Unite_against_COVID-19_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Unite_against_COVID-19_3-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Unite_against_COVID-19_3-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Unite_against_COVID-19_3-4) ["My Vaccine Pass"](https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-certificates/my-vaccine-pass/). *Unite against COVID-19*. [New Zealand Government](/source/New_Zealand_Government). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211117055653/https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-certificates/my-vaccine-pass/) from the original on 17 November 2021. Retrieved 18 November 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Technical information published to support COVID-19 Vaccine Pass and verifiers"](https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/undoctored/technical-information-published-support-covid-19-vaccine-pass-and-verifiers). *[New Zealand Doctor](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=New_Zealand_Doctor&action=edit&redlink=1)*. 5 November 2021. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211108170934/https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/undoctored/technical-information-published-support-covid-19-vaccine-pass-and-verifiers) from the original on 8 November 2021. Retrieved 25 December 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["New Zealand Covid Pass Specification"](https://nzcp.covid19.health.nz/). *nzcp.covid19.health.nz*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["NZ COVID Pass Documentation"](https://github.com/minhealthnz/nzcovidpass-spec). Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora. 21 December 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Covid Pass verifier app now available for businesses"](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/456349/covid-pass-verifier-app-now-available-for-businesses). *[Radio New Zealand](/source/Radio_New_Zealand)*. 23 November 2021. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211123234007/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/456349/covid-pass-verifier-app-now-available-for-businesses) from the original on 23 November 2021. Retrieved 3 December 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["NZ Pass Verifier"](https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/my-covid-record-proof-vaccination-status/nz-pass-verifier). [Ministry of Health](/source/Ministry_of_Health_(New_Zealand)). 19 November 2021. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211119020312/https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/my-covid-record-proof-vaccination-status/nz-pass-verifier) from the original on 19 November 2021. Retrieved 19 November 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["International Travel Vaccination Certificate"](https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-certificates/international-travel-vaccination-certificate/). *Unite against COVID-19*. [Ministry of Health](/source/Ministry_of_Health_(New_Zealand)). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211117055556/https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-certificates/international-travel-vaccination-certificate/) from the original on 17 November 2021. Retrieved 19 November 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Keall, Chris (18 November 2021). ["Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Govt blames cyber defences gone haywire for Vaccine Pass problems"](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/covid-19-delta-outbreak-govt-blames-cyber-defences-gone-haywire-for-vaccine-pass-problems/3V44YAETOFVDXLD35ZSFDWCKVU/). *[The New Zealand Herald](/source/The_New_Zealand_Herald)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211119014911/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/covid-19-delta-outbreak-govt-blames-cyber-defences-gone-haywire-for-vaccine-pass-problems/3V44YAETOFVDXLD35ZSFDWCKVU/) from the original on 19 November 2021. Retrieved 19 November 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Scott, Matthew (19 November 2021). ["Immigrants face vaccine pass roadblocks"](https://www.newsroom.co.nz/vaccine-pass-harder-to-get-for-immigrants). *[Newsroom](/source/Newsroom_(website))*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211119021450/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/vaccine-pass-harder-to-get-for-immigrants) from the original on 19 November 2021. Retrieved 19 November 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** McDonald, Liz (19 November 2021). ["Covid-19: Customers trialling vaccine passes ahead of traffic light system roll-out"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/127039581/covid19-customers-trialling-vaccine-passes-ahead-of-traffic-light-system-rollout). *[Stuff](/source/Stuff_(website))*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211119015757/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/127039581/covid19-customers-trialling-vaccine-passes-ahead-of-traffic-light-system-rollout) from the original on 19 November 2021. Retrieved 19 November 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Herald_3_Nov_2021_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Herald_3_Nov_2021_13-1) Chen, Andrew (3 December 2021). ["Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Vaccine pass verification essential to prevent fraud, virus spread"](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-delta-outbreak-vaccine-pass-verification-essential-to-prevent-fraud-virus-spread/G2I3EHLSF4UX3MK74DZQGE3NZI/). *[The New Zealand Herald](/source/The_New_Zealand_Herald)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211202235612/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-delta-outbreak-vaccine-pass-verification-essential-to-prevent-fraud-virus-spread/G2I3EHLSF4UX3MK74DZQGE3NZI/) from the original on 2 December 2021. Retrieved 3 December 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Neilson, Michael (23 March 2022). ["Covid 19 Omicron rules changed: Outdoor gathering limits scrapped; vaccine passes and some mandates end April 4 – Jacinda Ardern"](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-omicron-rules-changed-outdoor-gathering-limits-scrapped-vaccine-passes-and-some-mandates-end-april-4-jacinda-ardern/C6P6WKNMH45S2EB54YBCW76OHI/). *[The New Zealand Herald](/source/The_New_Zealand_Herald)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220323031417/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-omicron-rules-changed-outdoor-gathering-limits-scrapped-vaccine-passes-and-some-mandates-end-april-4-jacinda-ardern/C6P6WKNMH45S2EB54YBCW76OHI/) from the original on 23 March 2022. Retrieved 23 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Whyte, Anna (23 March 2022). ["PM reveals changes to mandates, vaccines passes and restrictions"](https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/03/23/pm-reveals-changes-to-mandates-vaccines-passes-and-restrictions/). *[1News](/source/1News)*. Retrieved 23 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** O'Connor, Matai (19 November 2021). ["Claims digital Vaccine Pass discriminates against Māori"](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/456086/claims-digital-vaccine-pass-discriminates-against-maori). *[Radio New Zealand](/source/Radio_New_Zealand)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211119022434/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/456086/claims-digital-vaccine-pass-discriminates-against-maori) from the original on 19 November 2021. Retrieved 19 November 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Mitchell, Charlie (17 December 2021). ["A black market in Covid vaccine passes is issuing fraudulent, but effective certificates"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/127301227/a-black-market-in-covid-vaccine-passes-is-issuing-fraudulent-but-effective-certificates). *[Stuff](/source/Stuff_(website))*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211217013954/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/127301227/a-black-market-in-covid-vaccine-passes-is-issuing-fraudulent-but-effective-certificates) from the original on 17 December 2021. Retrieved 17 December 2021.

v t e COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand People Cabinet Jacinda Ardern David Clark Chris Hipkins Winston Peters Grant Robertson Ayesha Verrall Megan Woods Epidemic Response Committee Simon Bridges Kiri Allan Paula Bennett Marama Davidson Ruth Dyson Paul Goldsmith Shane Reti David Seymour Fletcher Tabuteau Michael Wood Michael Woodhouse Officials Jim Bliss Ashley Bloomfield Mike Bush Andrew Coster Peter Crabtree Rose King Megan Main Caroline McElnay John Ombler Brian Roche Sharon Shea Heather Simpson Sarah Stuart-Black Ian Town Darryn Webb Scientists Michael Baker Jemma Geoghegan Matire Harwood David Hayman Shaun Hendy Rod Jackson David Murdoch Dion O'Neale Helen Petousis-Harris Michael Plank Papaarangi Reid David Skegg Simon Thornley Collin Tukuitonga Nikki Turner Ayesha Verrall Siouxsie Wiles Anne Wyllie Others Suzy Cato Claire Deeks Rob Fyfe Sue Grey Hone Harawira Toby Morris Anna Mowbray Graham Philip Paul Reid Jami-Lee Ross Brian Tamaki Billy Te Kahika Government Alert levels COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 COVID-19 Response (Vaccinations) Legislation Act 2021 COVID-19 Response Recognition Award District health boards Managed isolation Ministry of Health My Vaccine Pass New Zealand Microbiology Network NZ COVID Tracer NZ Pass Verifier Traffic light system Vaccination Zero-COVID Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned Organisations Counterspin Media Samoan Assemblies of God in New Zealand Te Pūnaha Matatini The Freedoms & Rights Coalition Voices for Freedom The Disinformation Project Impact Economy 2degrees Air New Zealand Allied Press ASB Bank Bank of New Zealand Bauer Media Group Bunnings Dunedin Railways Fletcher Building Flight Centre H & J Smith Hermitage Hotel Jetstar Lakeland Queen Le Lapérouse MediaWorks Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Ngāi Tahu Tourism NZME Te Papa SkyCity Entertainment Group Smiths City Steel & Tube TAB Virgin Australia Warehouse Group Disease clusters Marist College (Auckland) Papatoetoe High School Ruby Princess (Hawke's Bay) Social Protests 2022 Wellington protest Social impact Timeline 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Associated states and dependencies Cook Islands Niue Tokelau

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [My Vaccine Pass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Vaccine_Pass) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Vaccine_Pass?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.