You and your whānau can be immunised against a wide range of infectious diseases at any of our clinics. Many immunisations are free, including all the childhood vaccinations, like MMR, on the government’s free Immunisation Schedule.
Childhood vaccinations
Free routine vaccinations for children are important to keep your child and whānau immunised against diseases like measles, mumps and rubella. Children should have, and are entitled to receive, free immunisations at six weeks, three months, five months, 15 months and five years.
Speak to your GP clinic about getting your children’s vaccinations on time, and about non-funded but important vaccinations, eg, meningitis vaccines.
Flu vaccine
All our clinics provide influenza (flu) vaccinations during the flu season, starting in April. Some people may be eligible for a free flu jab throughout the year, eg, pregnant women and people with asthma, COPD etc. Please check with your nurse or doctor.
We will advise you on this website and in the clinics when the flu vaccines are available.
See influenza.org.nz for details about how this can benefit you, and who is eligible for free flu shots.
HPV – cervical cancer vaccine
A free cervical cancer vaccine is available for everyone, male and female, aged 9–26 years, including non-residents under the age of 18.
The vaccine offers protection against human papillomaviruses (HPV) that can lead to cervical cancer. Males are vaccinated, too, so they cannot pass the virus onto females during sex. For more information, talk to your doctor or practice nurse.
Meningitis
Meningitis is a serious but uncommon brain infection. It can affect anyone at any age, but it’s more common in children under 5 years, teenagers and young adults. Students living in student accommodation may also be at higher risk.
Meningitis can be caused by bacteria or viruses, but there are only vaccines against bacterial meningitis.
There are several vaccines that can protect against meningitis including the meningococcal vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine.
The meningococcal vaccine is recommended for all children aged 11–18 years. It’s routinely given at 11 years with a booster at 16. It is also recommended for the following people:
- anyone who has been exposed to meningitis
- anyone traveling to or living where meningococcal disease is common
- military recruits and others living at close quarters like in a hostel
- people with rheumatoid arthritis, COPD, asthma and diabetes or a damaged or missing spleen.
Find out more about meningitis vaccines.
Talk to your GP clinic about how to get vaccinated and if you are eligible for free vaccines.
Shingles
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles is more common in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Vaccination can reduce your risk of getting shingles and the long-term pain it can lead to.
The shingles vaccine is called Zostavax and it’s free for people who are 65 years old. Until 2020, it is also free for people aged from 66 to 80.
If you’re under 65, you may want to think about having the vaccination, although it is not funded for you.
Talk to your GP clinic about how to get vaccinated and if you are eligible for a free vaccine.
Travel vaccines
Learn more about Travel vaccines.
For more information
View the immunisation and vaccinations flyer.