Get Immunised

Find out how to access the immunisations available to protect your whānau from cancer and other diseases.

HPV immunisation programme

HPV vaccination is free for everyone aged 9 to 26. The vaccination programme is usually school-based and is offered in Year 8, at participating primary schools. The vaccine is given as two doses to those 14 years and under and three doses to those 15 years and older.

When you vaccinate your child on time, this gives them the best protection from HPV cancers.

If you are aged 26 or below and haven't received your HPV vaccine or if you think you haven't completed the vaccine series (2-3 doses), you can still receive free vaccination from your GP, health centre and some Family Planning centres.

The vaccine protects against HPV; a common virus passed from one person to another during sexual activity. Most people will get HPV at some point in their lives and it will cause no symptoms and go away on its own. But some types can cause cervical cancer in women and other less common cancers like cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva and oropharynx.

The HPV vaccination can prevent more than 90% of HPV cancers when given at the recommended ages. It is safe, long-lasting and effective. The vaccine is most effective if given before becoming sexually active and exposed to HPV, but even if you're sexually active, you should still consider having the HPV vaccine. It can protect you against HPV types that you may not have been exposed to.

For people with a cervix who have been vaccinated, it is still important to have regular cervical smears. This is because the vaccine does not protect against all types of cervical cancer. For people with a cervix over 26 years, who have not been vaccinated, the best way to prevent cervical cancer is to continue to have regular cervical smears.

Hepatitis B immunisation

All children in New Zealand can be immunised against Hepatitis B as part of their free childhood immunisations at six weeks, three months and five months old. It's important to have all three doses.

If you have not received your Hepatitis B vaccine or you're not sure, visit your local health centre or call the Immunisation Advisory Centre free helpline 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863).

You can have a blood test to check if you need a vaccine. If you're aged 17 or under, catch up Hepatitis B immunisation is free.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can inflame or damage the liver. It can be a short-term (acute) illness in some people who may have few or no symptoms, and the virus may clear from your body without treatment. On rare occasions, it can become a long term (chronic) condition that can lead to serious health problems, such as liver damage, cirrhosis or liver cancer.

The younger a person is when infected with Hepatitis B virus, the higher the chance of developing a long-term/chronic infection. Most adults recover and do not become chronically infected. Hepatitis B is transmitted through sexual contact, sharing needles or syringes, or from mother to baby at birth. It is not spread through breastfeeding, sharing drinking glasses, sneezing, food or casual contact.

If you have questions, talk to your doctor or practice nurse or call the Immunisation Advisory Centre free helpline 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863).