Expectations for COVID-19 vaccination released for doctors and dentists

Media releases

Important note:

From 13 September 2023, Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa the Medical Council of New Zealand no longer provides the guidance statement on COVID-19 vaccine and your professional responsibility as a current expectation for doctors. This follows the New Zealand Government’s decision to remove vaccine mandates and other public health restrictions in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Medical Council is maintaining this page as a historical record only.

Dentists and doctors are expected to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as outlined in the guidance, jointly released by the Dental Council and the Medical Council of New Zealand today.


“As health care providers, dentists and doctors have a responsibility to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their patients and wider community against COVID-19, unless medically contraindicated,” says Dental Council, Chair Andrew Gray.

Dentists and doctors have an ethical and professional obligation to protect and promote the health of the public. The guidance recognises vaccination is a crucial part of the New Zealand public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This guidance sets clear expectations across both professions to support Aotearoa’s public health response and the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Doctors and dentists should be prepared to discuss evidence-based information about vaccination and its benefits with patients,” says Medical Council Chair, Dr Curtis Walker.

Read the guidance at the link below.