10 June 2026
PPSNZ has submitted to Pharmac in strong support of expanding funded influenza vaccination to all children aged 6 months to under 5 years, regardless of risk status. PSNZ argues that influenza causes serious, sometimes life-threatening illness in otherwise healthy children, and that current risk-based eligibility criteria fail to capture many young children who go on to be hospitalised.
The Society says universal funding would reduce pressure on stretched winter health services, protect vulnerable whānau members through reduced transmission, and improve equity for Māori, Pacific, and lower-income families who currently face cost barriers to vaccination.
Read the full release below 👇