In Aotearoa we have a National Immunisation Schedule. This sets out the free vaccines offered to babies, tamariki, teenagers and adults at certain times in their life.
There is a new website where you can find lots of helpful information related to vaccinations and the vaccination schedule, visit https://www.immunise.health.nz/
Lots of vaccines are free
- For children under 18, all vaccinations on the National Immunisation Schedule are free – it does not matter what their visa or citizenship status is. This includes visitors to Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Lots of vaccines are also free for adults, including measles. Some you have to pay for if you do not meet certain criteria.
- If you’re pregnant, the whooping cough and flu vaccines are free.
You may need to pay for extra vaccines that are not on the schedule (like travel vaccines). Check with your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider when booking an immunisation if there is a cost.
National Immunisation Schedule
Free immunisations during pregnancy
You can get 3 immunisations which will help protect you and your pēpi (baby).
- Flu– 1 dose for every pregnancy, at any stage
- Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough– 1 dose recommended from 16 weeks of each pregnancy
- COVID-19– If you’re not up to date, you can get a free COVID-19 vaccination at any stage of your pregnancy
6-week immunisations
Your pēpi (baby) gets 3 vaccinations.
- Rotavirus– an oral vaccine, given as liquid drops in the mouth (dose 1 of 2)
- Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, hep B and Hib(dose 1 of 3)
- Pneumococcal(dose 1 of 3)
3-month immunisations
Your pēpi gets 3 vaccinations.
- Rotavirus– an oral vaccine, given as liquid drops in the mouth (dose 2 of 2)
- Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, hep B and Hib(dose 2 of 3)
- Meningococcal B(dose 1 of 3)
5-month immunisations
Your pēpi gets 3 vaccinations.
- Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, hep B and Hib(dose 3 of 3)
- Pneumococcal(dose 2 of 3)
- Meningococcal B(dose 2 of 3)
6-month immunisations
When your pēpi turns 6 months old, it’s recommended they get flu immunisation every year. In 2023 this is free for all children aged 6 months to 12 years.
- Flu– single dose annually. If they have not had a flu vaccine before, and they are under 9 years old, 2 doses, 4 weeks apart are needed.
12-month immunisations
Your pēpi gets 3 vaccinations.
- Measles, mumps and rubella(dose 1 of 2)
- Pneumococcal(dose 3 of 3)
- Meningococcal B(dose 3 of 3)
15-month immunisations
Your pēpi gets 3 vaccinations.
- Hib(booster dose)
- Measles, mumps and rubella (dose 2 of 2)
- Chickenpox(single dose)
4-year immunisations
- Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio(booster dose)
5-year immunisations
When your tamariki turns 5 years old, they’re eligible for free COVID-19 immunisation.
- COVID-19(2 doses, 8 weeks apart)
From age 9 immunisations
- HPV(2 doses, given at least 6 months apart)
From age 11 immunisations
- Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough– (booster dose)
45-year immunisations
- Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough– (booster dose)
65-year immunisations
- Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough– (booster dose)
- Shingles(2 doses, given 2 to 6 months apart)
- Flu(free dose available every year)
For more information visit https://www.immunise.health.nz/