Hot topics

PHARMAC has extended the Zostavax catch-up programme for adults who were aged 65 years before 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. *The catch-up programme was previously due to end on 31 March 2020.

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.

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

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.