Immunisation protects your child from serious diseases throughout life. The Ministry of Health supports immunisation. However, it is your choice whether or not to immunise your child.
Childhood immunisations are free
The vaccines your child should receive are listed on the New Zealand Immunisation Schedule.
Immunisations begin when your child is 6 weeks old. Getting your baby vaccinated at the recommended times will give them the best protection against disease.
Your family doctor or practice nurse will give the immunisations.
Immunisations will usually be given as injections in the arm or leg. Usually, two or three injections will be given at each visit. From 1 July 2017, four injections will be given at the 15 months visit. Rotavirus vaccine is given as drops of liquid in the mouth.
After the immunisation, your child may have a red or sore area around where the injection was given, or get a mild fever. If you have any concerns, call your doctor, practice nurse or Healthline (0800 611 116).
Immunisations given will be recorded in your child’s Well Child/Tamariki Ora My Health Book and on the National Immunisation Register.
If you’re not sure whether your child has had all their immunisations, check with your doctor or nurse.
Read about first-time mum Sophie McElhone commitment to taking her son Albert to receive his three-month immunisations on time and safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
See the selection of videos below: