Abstract:
In New Zealand, the first formal schedule for universal immunisation was drawn up in November 1960; this was for the delivery of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine (DTP), which was provided to practitioners free of charge. Since September 2008, the schedule includes universal free vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumococcal disease, measles, mumps, rubella and human papillomavirus (HPV). Special groups also receive the influenza, hepatitis B immunoglobulin and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccines free.