Immunisation has led to the decline of many lethal diseases.  The National Immunisation Schedule offers a series of vaccines free to babies, children, adolescents and adults.

Additional vaccines are provided free for certain eligible groups considered to be at high risk because of other medical conditions; find out more here.

These and other vaccines such as travel vaccines can be purchased by other people if they want them.

Immunisations are provided at all primary care practices and are one of the most important services they provide. Immunisations are given by a practice nurse or doctor, having ensured beforehand that the person is not ill or suffering from allergies. Risks associated with immunisation are very rare.

Children have their own document to keep a record of these injections. Under the age of 5, this is usually their Well Child/Tamariki Ora My Health Book. The immunisation record may need to be shown, for example, when starting school or early childcare. The staff will also record the immunisation details on New Zealand’s Aotearoa Immunisation Register. This computerised information system holds details of all immunisations given to children here and will alert families when immunisations are due.