Diseases we immunise against

The New Zealand Immunisation Schedule recommends that children be immunised for protection against 13 preventable diseases before they are 5 years old.

The diseases are:

• diphtheria
• tetanus
• polio
• hepatitis B
• whooping cough (pertussis)
• pneumococcal disease
• rotavirus
• hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
• measles
• mumps
• rubella
• chickenpox (varicella)
• meningococcal B

Babies and tamariki have the best chance of developing immunity if they start immunisations on time and receive vaccines at the ages recommended – the first immunisation is at six weeks old.

This ensures your tamariki are fully immunised and protected as soon as possible. It takes a few months, and repeated doses of a vaccine for your little one to be fully protected.

If your child has missed a vaccine, it is ok. Tamariki can catch up on most vaccinations.

In addition to the National Immunisation Schedule, some tamariki may be eligible for other vaccinations if they are at risk of certain illnesses. These include:

• BCG vaccine to protect against tuberculosis – free for children at high risk
• Annual influenza (flu) vaccine – free for certain high-risk groups and is recommended (but not always free) for everyone over 6 months
• COVID-19 – free for high-risk tamariki aged 6 months to 4 years, and free for everyone over 5 years
• Meningococcal – free for certain high-risk groups
• Hepatitis A – free for certain high-risk groups

Please talk to your Plunket Nurse, GP, or PlunketLine if you would like to discuss or if you have any questions about why immunisations are recommended.

• PlunketLine: 0800 933 922
• HealthLine: 0800 611 116