Flu vaccine now funded for all children under five as influenza cases rise

Pharmac and Health New Zealand have taken urgent action to help protect tamariki and their whānau, announcing that from today, the influenza vaccine is fully funded for all children aged 6 months up to their fifth birthday.

The decision follows a recent increase in influenza cases, particularly among young children.

Geraldine MacGibbon, Pharmac’s Director, Pharmaceuticals, says the agencies have been watching influenza activity closely and acted quickly in response.

“We’ve been concerned by the recent increase in influenza cases, particularly among young children,” says MacGibbon.

“Following this, we assessed the flu vaccine stock available in New Zealand and confirmed there is enough supply to support widened access to all children under five immediately.”

Pharmac had previously announced that it would fund the flu vaccine for children aged 6 months up to their fifth birthday for the 2027 flu season, as part of its standard annual procurement process. MacGibbon says the decision to bring the widened access forward was taken in response to the current increase in influenza-related illness.

From today, all children aged 6 months up to their fifth birthday are eligible for a free flu vaccine. The funded vaccine for this age group is Influvac Tetra.