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Diseases and vaccines

This section contains information about diseases that are vaccine preventable and the vaccines that prevent them.

Standard childhood vaccinations

Available free to all children and young people.

Targeted vaccines

Available free to certain high-risk groups, but other people can purchase these vaccines through their GP if they want them.

Not on Schedule

Vaccines for these diseases are available but people must pay to receive them.

*NOTE: HPV vaccine is free for New Zealand girls and young women only

Vaccine for Meningococcal B is no longer available.

 

In this section

  • Chickenpox (Varicella)
    Virus Chickenpox is a highly infectious viral infection. It is usually a mild disease however the severity and risk of complications can be greater in adults. Read more
  • Diphtheria
    The bacteria cause a throat infection which can lead to breathing difficulties. The illness is very rare in countries with an immunisation programme. Read more
  • Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib)
    Hib is a bacteria which causes serious illness in young children. Hib disease has almost disappeared since the vaccine programme was introduced. Read more
  • Hepatitis A
    Hepatitis A is an acute infectious disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. Read more
  • Hepatitis B
    Hepatitis B is caused by a virus which attacks and damages the liver. It was a common disease in New Zealand until a vaccine was introduced in the 1980s. Read more
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
    Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that causes warts on the skin and the genital area. Read more
  • Meningococcal disease vaccination
    Meningococcal disease is serious and can sometimes cause death or permanent disability such as deafness or disfigurement. Read more
  • Mumps
    Virus Mumps is an acute viral illness, and a few cases occur each year in New Zealand. Read more
  • Pneumococcal
    The infection is caused by bacteria and there are 90 different types of pneumococcal bacteria. Read more
  • Polio (Poliomyelitis)
    Polio is caused by a virus that can lead to a mild or a very serious illness. The virus infects the bowel and from there can attack the nervous system, causing meningitis or paralysis. Read more
  • Rotavirus
    Rotavirus is a highly infectious virus of the gut. The spectrum of illness ranges from mild, watery diarrhoea of limited duration to severe, dehydrating diarrhoea with vomiting, fever, and shock. Read more
  • Rubella
    Rubella is serious if a pregnant woman catches the disease, especially during the first three months of her pregnancy. Read more
  • Tetanus
    Tetanus is a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria usually found in the soil. Read more
  • Tuberculosis (TB)
    Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by a bacterium. TB most commonly affects the lungs, but it can affect other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, bones, joints and kidneys and it can cause meningitis. Read more
  • Whooping cough
    Whooping cough (pertussis) is a serious infection caused by bacteria which damage the breathing tubes. It occurs mainly in young children and is most serious in children under one year of age. Read more

Page last updated: 03 February 2012