When to immunise
Immunisations start when babies are 6 weeks old and continue into adulthood. Immunising at the recommended times gives the best protection.
Finding out what immunisations are due
Free immunisations recommended for tamariki and adults are listed on the National Immunisation Schedule. This is like a timetable that shows when each vaccine is due. Immunising at the recommended times gives best protection.
National Immunisation Schedule
Get a personalised immunisation schedule for your child
All vaccinations on the National Immunisation Schedule are free for children under 18 – 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.
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.
If an immunisation has been missed – you can catch up
If any immunisations have been missed, it’s OK. You can catch up on most immunisations. For advice, talk to your doctor, nurse, or trusted healthcare professional.
NZ’s immunisation schedule
The National Immunisation Schedule outlines the free vaccines offered to tamariki and adults at different ages.
Babies and toddlers
Your baby is due for the first vaccinations when they’re 6 weeks old. Their next vaccinations are due at 3 months, 5 months, 12 months, and 15 months. For babies over 6 months old, flu immunisation is free in 2023.
Preschoolers
When your child turns 4, they’re due a booster vaccination. Under 5s are also eligible for free meningococcal B immunisations until August 2025. From 5 years old, they can get COVID-19 vaccinations. Flu immunisation is also free in 2023.
School-aged children
When your tamariki are older, they will be eligible for free HPV vaccination and a tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough booster. They can also get immunised against illnesses like meningococcal disease, flu, and COVID-19.
Adults
It’s recommended that adults keep up to date with flu, COVID-19, whooping cough, tetanus, and meningococcal vaccinations. All adults should check they’re fully protected against measles. Shingles immunisation is free for 12 months after your 65th birthday.
Pregnancy
Protecting your pēpi (baby) starts before you become pregnant. When you’re pregnant, it’s strongly recommended you’re immunised against whooping cough, flu and COVID-19.
Whānau immunisations
All members of a whānau being fully vaccinated creates a bubble of protection around pēpi (baby), tamariki, kaumātua (older people), and other vulnerable whānau. Your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider will be able to tell you which vaccinations your whānau are eligible for.
Extra immunisations for children and adults
Extra immunisations may be available for you, or your tamariki, if you have an ongoing medical condition, have close-living situations, or are travelling overseas.