Disclaimer

The Immunisation Handbook 2024 Version 1 is currently only available in PDF format. It will shortly be available in full web format hosted on the Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora website. 

 

The information contained within the Handbook was correct at the time of publication. This edition of the Handbook will remain current unless amended electronically via the Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora website until the next edition or update is published.

Summary of changes

Summary of changes

Summary of changes from previously available Immunisation Handbook 2020 Version 23 and follow-up notice of changes published on the on the Ministry of Health website in December 2023: 

  1. Chapter 4, Immunisation of Special Groups:
    a. Updated relevant COVID-19 sections in each high-risk group.
     
  2. Chapter 5, COVID-19:
    a.
    Extensive update to replace original and bivalent mRNA-CV (30 µg) with XBB.1.5 mRNA-CV (30µg) 
    b.
    Removed reference to booster doses and replaced with ‘additional’ doses.
    c.
    XBB formulation is a one dose primary course.
    d.
    Updated recommendations for additional doses and additional doses in pregnancy.
    e.
    Updated public health measures.
  3. Chapter 6, Diphtheria:
    a.
    Updated antimicrobial prophylaxis and exclusion of contacts, to match CD manual.
    b.
    Corrected vaccine details in the vaccination of contacts.
  4. Chapter 9, Hepatitis B:
    a.
    Table 9.6 – clarified that 40µg means two doses of 1.0 ml.
    b.
    Figure 9.4 – updated non-responder protocol. 
  5. Chapter 11, Influenza: 
    a.
    Updated for the 2024 influenza programme.
  6. Chapter 12, Measles:
    a.
    Improved clarity in wording about when children received MMR at 11 months and when 2nd dose is given. 
    b.
    In an outbreak scenario, recommend referring to clinical guidance provided in the CD Manual.
  7. Chapter 13, Meningococcal:
    a.
    Removed mention of MenB catch up for 13–25-year-olds. 
    b.
    Added note in Table 13.2 to check NZ Formulary for antibiotic dosages.
    c.
    Corrected footnote in table 13.6 – MenB doesn’t have an upper age limit on licensure.
  8. Chapter 15, Pertussis: 
    a.
    Updated wording around unfunded (10-yearly) recommendations.
    b.
    Table 15.3, added note to check NZ Formulary for current dosing details.
  9. Chapter 15, Pneumococcal: 
    a.
    Tables 16.3 and 16.4, added footnote about giving 23PPV to children born prematurely with ongoing lung disease. 
  10. Appendix 6:
    a.
    A6.4.1, Interaction with other drugs: updated re MMR and VV after receipt of blood products.