Free flu vaccines for all children aged 6 months to under 5 years are available from today (1 September 2026), following a recent spike in influenza cases across the motu, particularly among young children.

Pharmac had previously announced that it would fund the flu vaccine for children aged 6 months up to their 5th birthday for the 2027 flu season. The decision to bring the widened access forward was taken in response to the current increase in influenza-related illness.

From today, all children aged 6 months up to their fifth birthday are eligible for a free flu vaccine. The funded vaccine for this age group is Influvac Tetra.

The flu vaccine is also funded for:

• People aged 65 years and over
• People under 65 with health conditions that put them at higher risk of serious illness
• Pregnant women

PHF Science data show that children under five years of age are experiencing higher rates of influenza-related hospitalisation and severe illness than any other age group, making them a priority group for expanded access.

Pharmac says there is enough supply flu vaccine stock to support widened access to all children under five immediately. Health New Zealand is working with general practices, pharmacies, Hauora Māori and Pacific health providers to support immediate access across the country.

For influenza resources and guidance, see immune.org.nz/immunisation/programmes/influenza