Auckland Regional Public Health Service supports immunisation as a safe and effective way to help prevent serious illness in babies and children.
For questions about immunisation and vaccination-preventable diseases, contact the Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC).
For information on the immunisation status of your child, please contact your family doctor.
Immunisation helps prevent many serious childhood infections. The Immunisation schedule is a free service for children under the age of 18 years, available from your primary health provider (your doctor). It is not necessary to see your doctor before you have these immunisations and your practice nurse can give these to your child.
When a child is immunised, their body's immune system is stimulated to protect against the diseases represented in the vaccine. It is important to understand that the risk from any of these diseases far outweighs any risk associated with vaccination.
To develop good immune protection against a range of serious diseases there is a comprehensive schedule of immunisations (including boosters). It is important that these immunisations are given when they are due.
The Ministry of Health recommends that all children are immunised against:
You can find more information on recommended child immunisations from:
The BCG vaccine is available for children aged under 5 at higher risk of tuberculosis (TB) disease. This includes:
Pregnant women are recommended to get the following free immunisations to protect them and their baby:
Adults aged 45 and 65 years are recommended to have booster vaccines against tetanus and diphtheria. The vaccine is free but you may be required to pay an administration fee for this service.
To learn more speak to your GP or visit your medical centre.
Some immunisations are free for children and adults at high risk of severe disease or complications due to other medical conditions they have.
These vaccines are:
More information is available from the Ministry of Health.
The following vaccines are available for private purchase:
Talk to your doctor if you are interested in learning more about these vaccines.
Advice about immunisations and other measures to protect you and your family's health is available from specialist travel medicine centres and local medical centres.
For more information visit:
New Zealand immunisation schedule, Immunisation Handbook 2017, BCG immunisation, and cold chain management and more.
Last updated 27.1.2022