Influenza Vaccines 2026
The flu vaccine is a yearly shot that protects you from the influenza virus, which causes seasonal flu. It is updated each year to target the strains most likely to spread, ensuring you get the best protection possible.
The flu vaccine is available to everyone in New Zealand over 6 months old. It is the best way to protect yourself and help prevent passing the flu to others.
The flu vaccine is free for the following groups:
- Pregnant women (any trimester)
- People aged 65 and older
- People 6 months to under 65 years with eligible conditions* e.g. cardiovascular disease, diabetes, renal disease, malignancy, chronic respiratory disease, autoimmune disease
- Children aged 4 and under with serious respiratory illnesses
- People under 65 with certain mental health conditions*
*View the Pharmacy eligibility criteria for 2026 funded influenza vaccination for more detail.
There are four influenza vaccines for 2026 -
FUNDED
- Influvac Tetra: Funded for those who meet Pharmac eligible criteria (Can also be purchased by those who do not meet funding criteria) - Approved for children over 6 months, and adults.
NOT FUNDED
- Fluzone: Unfunded only - approved for children over 6 months, and adults.
- Flucelvax: Unfunded only - approved for children over 6 months, and adults.
- Fluad: Unfunded only - approved for adults age 50 years and older.
