Bringing funded flu vaccines forward for under 5s

When influenza cases among young children rose sharply this season, Pharmac was able to move quickly and widen access immediately, making funded flu vaccination available for all children aged 6 months up to their fifth birthday, from 1 September 2026.

Director Pharmaceuticals, Geraldine MacGibbon, says the change means 260,000 tamariki are now eligible for a free influenza vaccination through general practices, pharmacies, hauora providers, and other vaccination providers.

"We've been concerned by the recent increase in influenza cases, particularly among young children," says MacGibbon.

"After assessing available vaccine supplies, we confirmed there was sufficient stock to widen funded access immediately and help more families protect their children against influenza."

The expanded access follows Pharmac's recent decision to widen funded access to the influenza vaccine for children under five from 2027.

As part of that decision, the funded brand of influenza vaccine will change to two new influenza vaccines that provide increased protection for those eligible.

They will be funded for everyone aged 65 and over, at-risk people under 65, and all children from 6 months up to their fifth birthday.

These changes are a result of a competitive procurement process Pharmac ran for funded vaccines. Pharmac consulted on the changes in May/June and decisions were announced in August.

Most feedback supported the proposed changes; particularly the introduction of more effective influenza vaccines and expanded access for young children.

“Through this process, two new influenza vaccines will be funded for the first time – a cell-based vaccine and an adjuvanted vaccine.

These will provide increased protection compared with the currently funded egg-based influenza vaccines,” says MacGibbon. 

The influenza vaccine changes come into effect from the start of the 2027 influenza season on 1 April 2027.