Source: ProCare
1 September 2026
ProCare has welcomed the decision to fund influenza vaccinations for children aged under five from today, saying it reflects the importance of making immunisation accessible for all families.
As winter illness continues to place pressure on the health system, protecting young children is a priority. Vaccination helps protect the people around them, including older adults, newborns and immunocompromised whānau, and remains one of the most effective tools available to general practice.
Recent results from a partnership between ProCare, The Fono and ProCare’s Ara Hauora outreach team show the impact of taking immunisation services out into the community. Between 1 December 2025 and 30 June 2026, the partnership delivered 670 immunisations through proactive outreach, recalls and home visits.
Gabrielle Lord, Nursing Director at ProCare, says increasing immunisation rates requires more than simply making vaccines available.
“Our data shows it takes an average of three meaningful engagements to reconnect with a whānau once a child has fallen behind on their immunisation schedule.”
“This highlights the value of dedicated outreach and trusted relationships. Families are often juggling many competing priorities and when we take the time to connect and make access easier, they are much more likely to engage.”
Lord says the newly funded flu vaccine creates another opportunity for general practice teams to have conversations with families about protecting their health.
“Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness in our communities. It not only protects the individual receiving the vaccine but also helps protect vulnerable whānau members who are at greater risk of serious illness.”
Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at ProCare, says funding the flu vaccine for under-fives is a positive step towards strengthening preventative healthcare for New Zealand families.
“Prevention is one of the most powerful investments we can make in supporting health and wellbeing. By removing cost barriers for families with young children, this funding will help more tamariki access protection against influenza before they become seriously unwell.”
“General practice plays a vital role in keeping people well, and initiatives like this support earlier intervention, reduce pressure on the wider health system, and help ensure every child has the best possible start in life,” concludes Norwell.
ProCare encourages parents and caregivers to contact their general practice to learn more about the funded flu vaccine and make sure their tamariki are up to date with their routine immunisations.
About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi.
As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to more than 640,000 patients across Auckland and Northland. These practices serve the largest Asian, and second largest Pacific populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz