Monday, May 1, 2023
The new information, on the importance of influenza vaccination for people in this group, has been included to support health professionals in increasing influenza vaccination uptake. A new 27 March 2023 version of the flu kit booklet with this addition is available on this webpage influenza.org.nz/resources/resources
Background
Pharmac introduced a new funded influenza vaccination eligibility criteria from 1 July 2022.
People under 65 years of age who:
• have any of the following serious mental health conditions:
- schizophrenia, or
- major depressive disorder, or
- bipolar disorder, or
- schizoaffective disorder
• And/or are currently accessing secondary or tertiary mental health and addiction services
This widening of access is a permanent addition to the Pharmaceutical Schedule. For more information see