Meningococcal B Vaccine to Be Funded for All Children Under Five in Major Health Expansion

Updated: September 2025 — In a groundbreaking move to safeguard the health of New Zealand's youngest citizens, the government has announced that the meningococcal B vaccine will be fully funded for all children under five, starting from September 1. This decision marks a significant shift in public health policy, ensuring that no child is left vulnerable due to incomplete or missed immunisations during their first year of life.

Removing Barriers to Access

The new funding criteria replaces the existing catch-up programme, which was set to end on August 31. Under the previous system, only children who had not completed their initial course of immunisations were eligible for the vaccine. Now, all children under the age of five — regardless of whether they received their initial doses — will be eligible for the Bexsero vaccine, which is known to be highly effective against meningococcal B disease.

Pharmac’s Pharmaceuticals Manager, Adrienne Martin, emphasized the importance of this change, stating that under-fives are the most vulnerable to serious illness from meningococcal disease. “This decision is about removing barriers,” Martin said. “We want to ensure that no child misses out on protection just because they couldn't complete their vaccine course in their first year.”

Protecting Vulnerable Populations

Health New Zealand’s National Public Health Director, Dr. Nick Chamberlain, called the move a “significant step forward in protecting children.” He noted that the change brings clarity for the health sector and removes barriers for families, making it easier for parents to complete the vaccine course. “Health New Zealand will continue working closely with providers to support the rollout and ensure eligible children receive this important protection,” Chamberlain added.

The new policy is expected to benefit up to 77,000 additional children who may have missed earlier doses. This expansion is particularly crucial given that meningococcal disease can lead to severe complications, including brain damage, hearing loss, and even death.

Continued Eligibility for Older Groups

While the focus of the new funding is on children under five, teenagers and young adults living in shared accommodation — such as boarding schools, halls of residence, military barracks, and prisons — will continue to be eligible under the current rules. This ensures that high-risk groups remain protected, even as the new policy targets younger children.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to speak with their healthcare providers to ensure their children receive the vaccine as soon as possible. The government has also launched a public awareness campaign to inform families about the change and the importance of immunisation.

This move is a testament to the government’s commitment to public health and the well-being of New Zealand’s children. By expanding access to the meningococcal B vaccine, the country is taking a proactive step toward reducing the incidence of this deadly disease and ensuring that every child has a fair chance at a healthy future.