Immunisations on the schedule are free for all tamariki
In Aotearoa New Zealand, we have a National Immunisation Schedule. This lists the vaccines offered to tamariki and adults and the best time to get immunised.
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.
Extra vaccines not on the schedule may also be recommended your tamariki is considered high-risk, or if you are travelling overseas. Some of these vaccines you may need to pay for.
When to immunise
Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio (booster dose)
When your tamariki turns 4, they are eligible for a booster vaccination that protects against 4 vaccine-preventable diseases.
Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio (booster dose) (internal link)
Meningococcal B
On 1 March 2023, the meningococcal B vaccine was added to the National Immunisation Schedule. It is free for babies at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months.
Many tamariki under 5 would not have had their 3 doses, so a free catch-up programme is available until 31 August 2025 for tamariki under 5 years old.
Talk to your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider about immunising them.
Meningococcal vaccine (internal link)
COVID-19 immunisations
When your tamariki turns 5 years old, they are eligible for free COVID-19 immunisation — 2 doses, 8-weeks apart.
COVID-19 vaccine (internal link)
Annual flu immunisation
In 2024 this is free for tamariki aged 4 years and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness.
Get a personalised immunisation schedule
Based on the National Immunisation Schedule, this handy tool shows what immunisations your child needs from 6 weeks to 13 years, and the dates due. It does not look at your child's medical records, so your child may have had some vaccines already.
Use this as a general guide, and be aware that dates may vary depending on previous vaccination dates, or other clinical circumstances. Always consult your usual doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider about your child's vaccinations.
If a scheduled immunisation has been missed, you can catch up.
Although getting immunised on time is recommended for the best protection, it is easy to catch up.
Catch-up immunisations are free for all tamariki under 18 years old. Lots of catch-up adult immunisations are also free.
Contact your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider and make a plan.