Hot topics

Measles in New Zealand

Born 1969 or later? Ensure you are protected from measles. Since 2012, all cases of measles in New Zealand came from travellers bringing the disease from overseas. There are currently significant measles outbreaks overseas and outbreaks in New Zealand.

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PHARMAC announces extension to Menactra eligibility

From 1 December 2019, PHARMAC is widening access to meningococcal ACWY vaccine (Menactra®) for people aged 13–25 years in a close-living situation.

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Boostrix now recommended from 16 weeks of every pregnancy

From 1 July 2019, Boostrix® (Tdap) is funded from the second trimester of every pregnancy and recommended to be administered from 16 weeks. In response to the published safety and immunogenicity data, PHARMAC extended the eligibility for administration of Tdap to anytime during the second or third trimesters of every pregnancy.

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Influenza vaccine supply

Influenza vaccine supply FluQuadri vaccine, approved for use in individuals’ age 3 years and older, continues to be available for ordering from HCL. From September through December, the minimum order is 10 doses and maximum order is 30 doses. FluQuadri is supplied with separate needles for attachment at time of administration.

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April 2019 - UPDATE on HBvaxPRO 10mcg and HBvaxPRO 40mcg stock

HBvaxPRO® 5 mcg strength vaccine Stock of the paediatric HBvaxPRO 5mcg/0.5mL vaccine for neonates and children is available at all ProPharma branches. Please ensure you note the change in dose and volume. Engerix-B 20mcg/1mL continues to be the hepatitis B vaccine available for adolescents aged 11–15 years following the two-dose schedule, with the second dose given 4–6 months after the first, and adults aged 20 years or older. HBvaxPRO® 10 mcg strength vaccine is out of stock

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PHARMAC announces Immunisation Schedule from 1 July 2020

The full PHARMAC Immunisation Schedule notification is available on their News/Notifications webpage https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news/notification-2019-07-30-immunisation. In summary: Brand changes Vaccine Current brand From 1 July 2020

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Infant deaths in Samoa a tragic outcome from error preparing MMR vaccine

The deaths of two infants on 6 July 2018 in Samoa shortly after receiving their MMR immunisations were under investigation by the Samoan Ministry of Health and Samoan Police. However, the inquest was put on hold until the trial of the two nurses who administered the MMR vaccines had been completed.

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WHO publishes the 2018 Assessment Report of the Global Vaccine Action Plan

The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on immunization have released the 2018 Assessment Report of the Global Vaccine Action Plan.

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Answers to frequent concerns and questions arising from Vaxxed

Vaxxed is a film directed by Andrew Wakefield, the former British gastroenterologist who published fraudulent research that claimed the MMR vaccine caused autism. The film is based on claims that unfavourable safety data on the MMR vaccine was covered up by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The content of the film has been widely discredited by the global medical and scientific communities.

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Last updated: May 2017