Every child from 6 months up to their fifth birthday can now get a free flu vaccine, Pharmac said on 8 October.
That's 260,000 children. The change took effect on 1 September 2026, after flu cases among young children "rose sharply this season".
Pharmac's director of pharmaceuticals, Geraldine MacGibbon, said the agency moved quickly once it had assessed vaccine supplies.
"We've been concerned by the recent increase in influenza cases, particularly among young children," she said.
"After assessing available vaccine supplies, we confirmed there was sufficient stock to widen funded access immediately and help more families protect their children against influenza," MacGibbon said.
The free jab is available through general practices, pharmacies, hauora providers and other vaccination providers.
The early start follows an earlier Pharmac decision to widen funded access for under-fives from 2027. That decision came out of a competitive procurement process for funded vaccines. Pharmac consulted in May and June, and announced its decisions in August.
Most feedback backed the changes, Pharmac said, especially the new vaccines and the wider access for young children.
From the start of the 2027 flu season on 1 April 2027, the funded brand switches to two new vaccines. One is cell-based and the other is adjuvanted, and both are being funded for the first time.
"These will provide increased protection compared with the currently funded egg-based influenza vaccines," MacGibbon said.
The two vaccines will be funded for everyone aged 65 and over, at-risk people under 65, and all children from 6 months up to their fifth birthday.
"Vaccination remains the best way to reduce the risk of influenza infection and severe illness," MacGibbon said.
She said the free jab should make it easier for families to get their children vaccinated.
"This will help reduce barriers for families to get their children vaccinated, which is the best way to protect children, whānau, and communities from the impact of influenza," she said.
