Meningitis Foundation Welcomes Expanded Vaccine Access And Calls For Wider Protection For Young People

The Meningitis Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand has warmly welcomed Pharmac's decision to expand access to the meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero) for all children under five years old, and is now calling for the logical next step: fully funded vaccinations for all young people.

From September 2025, all children under five will become eligible for the funded meningococcal B vaccine, significantly expanding the scope from the previous catch-up programme. This move, which could benefit up to 77,000 additional children, is strongly supported by the Meningitis Foundation.

“This is an excellent and critical step in protecting our tamariki from meningococcal disease," says Gerard Rushton, Chair of The Meningitis Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand. “Pharmac has shown it has the appetite to increase vaccination rates, and it must now go further. Young people across the board need and deserve protection against this deadly disease."

The need for broader protection is clear, says Gerard Rushton. In the first six months of 2025, there were 13 confirmed cases of meningitis in New Zealand, eight of which occurred in individuals aged 15 and over. Tragically, two of these cases resulted in deaths.

“These statistics underline two important realities,” says Rushton. “First, vaccination works, and the current funded vaccines are absolutely necessary. Second, there remains a significant gap in protection for our rangatahi, highlighting the urgent need for Pharmac to take action and provide free vaccination access for all young people.”

The Meningitis Foundation notes that while significant progress has been made, comprehensive protection against meningococcal disease requires decisive action. This means extending funded vaccine eligibility groups to include older children and teenagers.

“The extension of funded vaccines for children under five is commendable and will save lives,” adds Rushton.

“But we must keep momentum. Protecting our rangatahi through wider vaccination availability is essential for ensuring no one is left vulnerable to this devastating disease.”

“The Meningitis Foundation urges Pharmac and the Government to work together swiftly to extend vaccine funding and safeguard the health of all young New Zealanders.”

About the Meningitis Foundation – Aotearoa New Zealand:

Founded in 2010 and administered by a six-strong Board of Directors, the Meningitis Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand strives to educate New Zealanders and raise their awareness of pneumococcal and meningococcal meningitis, promoting its prevention and control by:

• providing timely, accurate and credible information and educational resources to the general public and healthcare professionals
• providing a forum for friends and families affected by meningitis to connect and share their stories for mutual support and ongoing awareness of the reality of the disease
• being an active voice to support public health policy and the introduction of further vaccines to high risk groups
• supporting an increase in vaccination rates to improve New Zealand’s record for protecting children.

© Scoop Media