Pharmac Notification
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 Proposals (RFP) for the supply of funded vaccines, excluding the COVID-19 vaccine. This procurement process helps us secure ongoing supply and value for money for funded vaccines.
We would like to thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback during consultation. We carefully considered all feedback received before making these decisions.
More information about the decision, including details of the brand changes and funded access criteria, is available on our website:
The changes to influenza vaccines will take effect from 1 April 2027, ahead of the 2027 influenza season. Changes to meningococcal ACWY and pneumococcal vaccines will take effect from 1 July 2027.
We will continue to keep Pharmac's website updated. If you have any questions, please contact us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz.
Ngā mihi nui,
Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga | P: +0800 660 050 | www.pharmac.govt.nz
