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Disclaimer

This publication, which has been prepared for, and is published by, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, is for the assistance of those involved in providing immunisation services in New Zealand.

While the information and advice included in this publication are believed to be correct, no liability is accepted for any incorrect statement or advice. No person proposing to administer a vaccine to any other person should rely on the advice given in this publication without first exercising his or her professional judgement as to the appropriateness of administering that vaccine to another person.

The Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora website hosts the most current version of the Immunisation Handbook. Check the website for the updates that will occur as and when required.

PDF download

Download: Immunisation Handbook 2024 version 6 PDF download - PDF, 11 MB

This is version 6 of the Immunisation Handbook 2024, published 15 October 2024.

Summary of changes

 

Summary of changes from previous Immunisation Handbook version (2024 version 5).

See summary of changes

See summary of changes

Section detail 

Change 

Major changes  

  • Mpox chapter inserted as chapter 14, numbering of all following chapters updated along with hyperlinks connecting chapters. 
  • Vaccine brand swap updates:
    • Varilrix replaces Varivax – this requires a change in age indications ‘from 12 months’ to ‘from 9 months of age’.
    • Act-HIB replaces Hiberix. 
  • Update to health.govt.nz URLs (between publications) which particularly affect all references to the document ‘National standards for vaccine storage and transportation. 
  • 4.3.1 Vaccination of close contacts:
    • Removed recommendation for live zoster vaccine for close contacts of immunocompromised people as the non-live vaccine is available to those who are immunocompromised and the risk for virus transmission is low if zoster rash is covered. 
  • 4.8 Occupation-related vaccination / Table 4.9:
    • Removed managed quarantine facilities for border staff.
    • Added ‘livestock, wild birds and marine mammals’ to zoo staff and ‘those working with livestock’ to poultry workers for influenza vaccination – particularly for avian influenza reassortment risk with seasonal influenza. 
  • Updated table 11.2 for animal handling groups unfunded but recommended influenza vaccine. 
  • New chapter. 

 

Chapter 19

RSV

 

  • Updated with brand change.