
Safeguard you and your whānau
Infectious disease spread among populations by targeting individuals lacking immunity.
When a high percentage of the population is vaccinated, it is difficult for infectious diseases to spread because there are not many people who can be infected. Immunisations aim to protect individuals against disease and also prevent the onward spread of disease within the population as a whole.
Vaccination initiatives safeguard individuals and impede disease transmission within the wider community. This approach to disease control is known as community immunity. However, this strategy relies on widespread vaccination coverage and cannot guarantee protection for every person.
Diseases change and evolve
In order for vaccines to have an effect, the strain of bacteria or virus in the vaccine needs to be the same as, or very similar to, the strain that causes disease in the population. Some viruses and bacteria change over time, and this can have an impact on how effective vaccines are.
For example, the flu virus can change very rapidly, meaning that last year’s flu vaccine is unlikely to protect you from the virus strains that are circulating this year. That is why it is important to get the flu vaccine every year.
Some bacteria that cause disease come in many different types (such as pneumococcal bacteria). Vaccines are developed to protect against the main types that cause disease. However, sometimes new strains appear, or less common strains start to cause more disease. This can also have an impact on.
Effectiveness of vaccines
Some vaccines are almost 100% effective. For example, 2 doses of the measles mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) will protect 99% (99 out of 100) of people from measles and will protect about 88% (88 out of 100) of people from mumps.
However, there will always be a very small number of people who will not make an immune response to a particular vaccine and will therefore remain unprotected from that disease.
The effectiveness of some vaccines also weakens over time – such as whooping cough. This is why booster doses may be recommended.
Protecting our most vulnerable
The aim of immunisation is to protect people when they are most at risk from diseases such as babies and our kaumātua.
Free vaccines
- For tamariki under 18, all immunisations on the National Immunisation Schedule are free, no matter what your visa or citizenship status is. This includes visitors to Aotearoa.
- Some vaccines you have to pay for if you do not meet the criteria however many vaccines are also free for adults, including measles.
- If you are pregnant the whooping cough and flu vaccines are free.
- You may need to pay for extra vaccines that are not on the schedule, such as travel vaccines. Check with your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider when booking an immunisation if there is a cost.
Vaccines available in Aotearoa
Book your vaccine
Call your GP Practice or you can book online using the following patient portals:
Chickenpox
Chickenpox (varicella) is a common highly infectious childhood illness. It causes an itchy, blistering rash. Symptoms could also include fever, aches and pains, and feeling tired.
Infections are normally mild, but chickenpox can make some people very sick. It is usually more severe in rangatahi (young people), adults, and people with a weakened immune system.
Find out more about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention of chickenpox.
Covid-19
What the COVID-19 vaccines protect you from
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that impacts your lungs, airways, and other organs.
Tamariki and rangatahi who have COVID-19 might experience no symptoms or mild cold-like respiratory symptoms, individuals can become severely ill, requiring hospitalization.
Vaccinated individuals have a lower chance of developing serious illness.
It’s recommended to complete all suggested COVID-19 vaccinations, even if you or your tamariki have previously contracted the virus. This decreases the risk of severe illness and may also lower the chances of developing long COVID.
If you’re at higher risk for severe illness, you might be eligible for another vaccination before the standard 6-month interval. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the optimal timing for your next dose.
Vaccination Schedule
For children aged 6 months to 4 years
Infants and tamariki in this age group who are immunocompromised or have complex or multiple health conditions are eligible for a specially formulated infant dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccination for Children Aged 6 Months to 4 Years
For eligible children in this age group:
Three doses of the infant XBB vaccine are required:
- Doses 1 and 2 are administered 3 weeks apart
- Dose 3 is given at least 8 weeks after the second dose
Children who receive their first dose before turning 5 will need all 3 doses, even if they turn 5 after starting the series.
Some at-risk and immunocompromised children who completed their primary course with the previous COVID-19 vaccine may receive 1 additional dose of the XBB vaccine. This is possible if at least 6 months have passed since their last dose or COVID-19 infection.
Consult your healthcare provider about your child’s specific circumstances and eligibility.
Children aged 6 months to 4 years without specific health conditions are generally not eligible for this vaccine due to their low risk of severe COVID-19 illness.
Your child’s regular healthcare provider can advise on vaccine eligibility based on individual health factors.
Remember, this vaccination is primarily intended for children who are immunocompromised or have complex or multiple health conditions. For personalized advice, always consult with your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider.
Flu
The flu (influenza) virus changes often. This means the vaccine needs to be modified each year to match the new strains of the disease. Getting a flu vaccine every year means you have the best protection.
Flu symptoms come on suddenly and these can include fever, chills, muscle aches, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, and stomach upsets.
Flu is usually spread by coughing and sneezing and is most common during winter.
The 2024 Flu Vaccination is free for some
It is free for people who are high risk of getting sick including the following:
- 65 years and over
- 6 months and over who have a long term medical condition like diabetes, asthma, or a heart condition
- pregnant māmā
- tamariki aged 4 years and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness, or have a history of significant respiratory illness
- people with mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder
- people who are currently accessing secondary or tertiary mental health and addiction services.
Rotavirus
Rotavirus is a viral infection that causes diarrhoea, vomiting and a fever. This usually affects pēpi and tamariki aged 3 months to 2 years.
Rotavirus cannot be treated with antibiotqics as this is a viral infection. Rongoa (medicines) that prevent or reduce diarrhoes are not recommended to treat rotavirus.
Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)
Measles
Measles ranks among the most dangerous and contagious diseases. Unvaccinated individuals exposed to infected persons face a high risk of contracting and spreading the virus.
The disease show in various ways, including:
- Skin rashes
- Flu-like symptoms
- Severe complications such as:
- Encephalitis (brain swelling)
- Pneumonia (chest infection)
- In extreme cases, death
Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, as measles can lead to severe maternal illness and pose significant risks to the unborn child.
For comprehensive information on symptoms, transmission, and treatment options, please consult authoritative health resources.
Mumps
Mumps is a contagious viral disease characterized by swollen, painful salivary glands in the facial area. While often mild, it can occasionally lead to severe complications, including:
- Hearing loss
- Meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord membranes)
- Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
Please consult reliable health resources for detailed information on symptoms, transmission patterns, and treatment options.
Rubella
For tamariki, rubella is usually a mild viral illness that causes a spotty rash. If you catch it when you are pregnant, however, it can cause serious birth defects in your baby such as deafness, heart defects, and brain damage.
Free immunisations during pregnancy
There are 3 free immunisations are available to you while you are pregnant which will help protect you and your pēpi (baby).