Meningococcal B Vaccine Access Widens for Children

Thousands More Youngsters to Receive Free Protection

New Zealand children under five will soon have broader access to the meningococcal B vaccine, with Pharmac expanding eligibility to remove barriers for essential protection against a potentially deadly disease.

Expanded Immunisation Programme

Starting September 1, Pharmac will fund the Bexsero vaccine for all children up to their fifth birthday. This change ensures that infants and toddlers can receive protection even if they missed earlier doses or did not complete the course within their first year.

This initiative replaces the existing catch-up programme, which concludes on August 31. Health officials estimate up to 77,000 more children could benefit from this enhanced access.

“This decision is about removing barriers. We want to ensure that no child misses out on protection just because they couldn’t complete their vaccine course in their first year.”

—Adrienne Martin, Pharmaceuticals Manager at Pharmac

Dr Nick Chamberlain, Health NZ’s National Public Health Director, highlighted the significance of the move. “This change brings clarity for the health sector and removes barriers for families, making it easier to complete the vaccine course,” he stated.



This expanded availability aims to provide crucial protection to those most vulnerable to severe illness from meningococcal disease.

Continued Eligibility for Older Groups

Teenagers and young adults residing in shared living situations, such as boarding schools, university halls of residence, military barracks, and prisons, remain eligible for the vaccine under existing guidelines.

Meningococcal B infections can lead to severe complications, including sepsis and meningitis. In the United States, for example, approximately 10% of meningococcal disease cases result in death, with survivors often facing long-term disabilities such as hearing loss or limb amputation (CDC). This proactive measure in New Zealand aims to curb such outcomes.