An analysis of deaths from COVID-19 in New Zealand shows being up to date with your vaccines is the single best way to reduce the risk of dying from COVID-19.
Public Health Agency Deputy Director-General Dr Andrew Old says thanks to lower levels of community transmission early in the pandemic and high vaccination rates, New Zealand has had a lower rate of deaths from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic compared to many countries.
Most people that test positive for COVID-19 will experience a mild to moderate illness and be able to self-care at home before making a full recovery. ‘But sadly, despite that, more than 2000 people have died from COVID-19, either as an underlying or contributing cause, and we remain committed to ensuring those most at risk of death from COVID-19 are prioritised in our response.’ As part of this, Te Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health has examined COVID-19 attributed deaths to better identify greatest risk factors for COVID-19 and help establish how these risks can be reduced.
This analysis is available on the Ministry’s website at COVID-19 Mortality in Aotearoa New Zealand: Inequities in Risk. The analysis examined 1,797 COVID-19 deaths between 1 January and 26 August 2022, which had been attributed to COVID-19.