General information for early learning services, schools and kura, parents, whānau and visitors, including those who access Ministry worksites.
Vaccination information
Vaccines explained
No vaccination requirement for students in schools and kura
All registered schools (including private schools), all school hostels (including private hostels), and all school transport services (for all students) cannot require proof of vaccination (either via My Vaccine Pass or other tool) as a condition of using or accessing education.
This means that a person’s vaccination status should not restrict learning for children and young people. Neither should it restrict parents and caregivers from supporting their children in their learning.
Vaccine status is private information
A person’s vaccination status is personal information under the Privacy Act 2020. An organisation can ask for this information if it is for a lawful purpose and the information is necessary for that purpose.
As a general rule, information regarding vaccination status is not required to be provided to schools or kura.
Where information regarding a person’s vaccination status is obtained, the usual requirements around collecting, recording, using and storing personal information will apply. Given the sensitivity of the information being collected, careful consideration will need to be given to ensure no unauthorised access to the information.
Personal information about vaccine status must be protected and cannot be shared without the staff member’s consent.