National Public Health Service (NPHS) - Northern Region supports immunisation as a safe and effective way to help prevent serious illness in babies and children.
To learn more about different immunisations and how to get you or your child immunised, visit immunise.health.nz.
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 schedule of immunisations (including boosters). It is important that these immunisations are given when they are due.
To learn more visit immunise.health.nz.
You can also 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.
The shingles vaccine is recommended for anyone aged 50 and over. It’s free for the 12 months after your 65th birthday. There is a cost for the shingles vaccine outside this time.
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:
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 SafeTravel.
New Zealand immunisation schedule, Immunisation Handbook, BCG immunisation, cold chain management and more.
Last updated 2.5.2025