National Immunisation Schedule
In Aotearoa New Zealand 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.
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)
Create a personalised immunisation schedule
This handy tool can be used as a general guide to when your child’s immunisations are due. It’s based on the National Immunisation Schedule and does not look at your child’s medical records.
Create a personalised immunisation schedule for your child
Extra immunisations
Extra immunisations may be available for you or your tamariki. This includes free immunisations for those at high risk – including those in certain close-living situations. Additional vaccines are available for extra protection and for overseas travel but there will be a charge for these.
Extra vaccines for tamariki and whānau
Why some vaccines are on the schedule more than once
To be fully protected you sometimes need more than 1 dose of a vaccine.
When you’re first vaccinated, your body learns how to fight off a particular bacteria or virus. Your second (and sometimes third or fourth) dose boosts your immune system so you will have stronger, and longer-lasting, protection.
Different vaccines protect you for different lengths of time. You sometimes need a booster vaccination to strengthen your immunity.
Some vaccines protect against more than 1 disease in a single vaccine
Some vaccines provide protection against more than 1 disease in a single vaccine. For example the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is just 1 injection. This means fewer vaccination appointments and fewer injections.
It’s not always possible to have a different vaccine if you want protection against only one of the diseases. Your immune system is used to dealing with thousands of viruses and bacteria every day – so there are no safety concerns with having multiple vaccines at the same time.
Each vaccination on the schedule is timed for the best immune response and protection
The schedule is deliberately spaced to boost your child’s immunity. For the best protection against disease, immunise your tamariki at the recommended times. Not getting them immunised on time puts tamariki at greater risk of getting a serious disease.
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.
Immunisation for 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.
Immunisation for 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.
Immunisation for 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, flu, and COVID-19.
Immunisations for 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.
Immunisation during pregnancy
When you’re planning a pregnancy make sure you are immunised against chickenpox and measles, mumps and rubella. When you’re pregnant, it’s strongly recommended you’re immunised against whooping cough, flu, and COVID-19.
Extra immunisations for tamariki and whānau
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.