Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand!

Information about immunisations recommended in Aotearoa New Zealand

Immunisations offered are different in each country based on the risk for each area. As you have recently arrived in New Zealand it is important to check that the vaccines you had in your home country will protect you against the illnesses you may be exposed to here.

Aotearoa Immunisation Register (AIR)

New Zealand has an online immunisation register (called the Aotearoa Immunisation Register or AIR) which keeps a record of the diseases you are immunised against so that health staff can make sure you’re fully protected if you are exposed to a vaccine preventable disease. It is important to make sure immunisations you’ve had overseas are added to the online system in New Zealand. This is especially important for children and babies.

Your GP (family doctor) can review your records and add these to the AIR. They will let you know if you are missing any vaccines to ensure you are properly protected and tell you if there will be a cost for this. They may require your records to be translated into English before they can enter these on the system.

If you do not have a GP, you can search for one in your area on this website healthpoint.co.nz 

Important immunisations

Measles protection is particularly important to check. Some countries give the first measles vaccine before a child is 1 year old, but in New Zealand two doses of measles vaccine AFTER the age of one year are required to be fully protected. When a healthcare professional checks your immunisations with you, they may recommend you have an extra measles vaccine dose to be fully protected. It is ok to be immunised again if you do not have your old records or are unsure if you are protected.

You cannot receive a measles vaccine if you are pregnant, but it can be given as soon as baby is born as it is safe to have while breastfeeding.

Families who have a baby or young child and are unable to locate a GP to enrol with can call the Immunisation Helpline (see below) for support to access vaccines for their child.

Immunisations are FREE for all babies and children under 18 years of age regardless of their visa status. Adults aged 18 years and over are entitled to many free vaccinations if they qualify for free healthcare in New Zealand.

For more information visit info.health.nz/immunisations or call the Immunisation Helpline on 0800 28 29 26, 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday (translators are available).