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2020 Immunisation Schedule for health professionals

Useful resources for the 1 October 2020 Schedule changes Immunisation Handbook 2020 on the Ministry of Health website, there are no printed copies available.

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COVID-19 coronavirus disease

No vaccine protects against the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that is causing illness in people around the world. There are ongoing research and development efforts to develop a vaccine. For the latest New Zealand focused public health advice and information regarding SARS-CoV-2 acute respiratory disease:

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Brief information about the 2020 Influenza Immunisation Programme

Please click on the appropriate link below and visit the key Programme information source Influenza information for health professionals, www.influenza.org.nz, health professional information and resources for the 2020 Influenza Immunisation Programme

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Zostavax catch-up programme extended

PHARMAC has extended the Zostavax catch-up programme for adults who were 66–80 years of age or older on 1 April 2018 and are still aged under 81 years . Adults who meet this eligibility criteria now have until 31 December 2020* or they turn 81 years of age, whichever occurs first, to receive one funded Zostavax. Adults who were 65 years of age on or after 1 April 2018 do not have an age or time limit to 'catch-up' a missed 65 year old dose. *The catch-up programme was previously due to end on 31 March 2020.

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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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Last updated: Dec 2019