The meningococcal vaccine Bexsero is now available on the childhood National Immunisation Programme at 3 months, 5 months, and 12 months old. All tamariki under 5 years old, who have not had 3 doses, can catch up for free until 31 August 2025.

Bexserois also funded for people 13 to 25 years of age who are currently living in boarding school hostels, tertiary education halls of residence, military barracks or prisons, from 1 March 2023 until 28 February 2024 as a catch up.

You will need:

• • 1dose of theMenactra®orMenQuadfi® vaccine and,
  • 2doses of theBexsero vaccine. The second dose can be given eight weeks after first dose.

If you, or your tamariki, are not eligible for free immunisations, and you’d like to be protected, talk to your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider about whether extra protection is a good idea and what it might cost.