News

New supply notices Ipratropium bromide nebules (Nebuliser soln, 250 mcg per ml, 2 ml ampoule): (Pharmacode: 2724863) The latest shipment of Viatris brand ipratropium nebules has been delayed. The next shipment of nebules is expected to arrive by the end of August. It will take a further 2 or 3 weeks to reach pharmacies around the country. > Ipratropium bromide nebules (Nebuliser soln, 250 mcg per ml, 2 ml ampoule) Levetiracetam (Everet) Tab 1,000 mg (Pharmacode: 2479567) Due to shipping...

Pharmac is widening access to funded influenza vaccination from today for all children under 5 (under 59 months inclusive). This means all children in this age group are now eligible for a free influenza vaccine (Influvac Tetra). The change follows an increase in influenza-related illness, particularly among young children, and confirmation that there is sufficient vaccine supply available in New Zealand to support widened access. Children under five years of age are more likely than any...

Tēnā koe, We are pleased to share that the New Zealand Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan 2026-2040 was officially launched on 1 September 2026, providing a long-term national framework for achieving cervical cancer elimination in Aotearoa New Zealand by 2040. We would like to acknowledge and thank Te Aho o Te Kahu Cancer Control Agency for leading the development of the Plan, and Hei Āhuru Mōwai for their contribution throughout the process. We also recognise the many organisations,...

Pharmac Update: Primary Care Prescribers | 28 August 2026 Below is the latest information on Pharmac consultations, notifications, and supply issues for Primary Care Prescribers for week 28 August 2026. It includes information on: Discontinuations New updates Resolved Supply Issues Discontinuations Discontinuation: Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) The supplier of the Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device has notified Pharmac that they will cease supplying it to...

In August 2025, we asked for feedback on a proposal to decline 19 applications. We’re grateful for the feedback we received in response to our consultation. For each of the applications that we received feedback on, we have summarised the theme of feedback we received and our response. Today we’re sharing our decision to keep two applications open and decline 17 applications. Decision to decline inactive applications for the funding of some medicines We understand this outcome may not be...

Pharmac is changing the funded brands of influenza, meningococcal ACWY and pneumococcal vaccines from 2027. Access to funded influenza vaccination will widen to include all children aged 6 months up to their fifth birthday (6-59 months inclusive) from 1 April 2027. Pharmac has also widened access to a vaccine to help prevent people who have already had a serious pneumococcal infection from getting it again. These decisions follow consultation on a proposal arising from the 2025 Request for...