Story by Sarah McMillan/cvnznews
Midwives across New Zealand will now be able to offer a wider range of funded immunisations, a move the Government says will strengthen protection for mothers, babies, and whānau during the most vulnerable stages of early life. Health Minister Simeon Brown says the change marks an important step in improving access to essential healthcare for families nationwide.
Under the expanded programme, midwives—who already provide pregnancy vaccines—will now be able to administer funded immunisations to mothers after birth, to babies, and to eligible family members until a child reaches 12 months of age. Brown says the shift is designed to make vaccination easier and more convenient for families navigating the busy months before and after birth.
“This change will improve access to vaccination for expectant mothers, new parents, infants, and close family members, helping to ensure timely protection against vaccine‑preventable diseases,” he said.
The move builds on changes introduced in August last year, when community midwives first became funded to deliver antenatal immunisations. Officials say the expansion reflects the trusted role midwives play, often seeing families more frequently than any other health professional during pregnancy and the early postnatal period.
“Midwives are trusted health professionals who see families regularly during pregnancy and after birth,” Brown said. “Extending the vaccines they can provide gives mothers and babies more opportunities to get the protection they need, when they need it.”
Health leaders say the timing is significant, with New Zealand continuing to manage outbreaks of measles and pertussis. Infants are particularly vulnerable to both illnesses, and early vaccination is considered one of the most effective tools for preventing severe disease.
Providing immunisations through routine maternity care also reduces barriers such as travel, cost, and scheduling challenges—factors that can delay or prevent families from staying up to date.
The initiative is being delivered through a partnership between Health New Zealand, the Ministry of Health, the Midwifery Council, the New Zealand College of Midwives, and the Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC). Training and support are being rolled out to ensure midwives are equipped to offer the expanded service safely and confidently.
“Immunisation remains the best protection,” Brown said. “By supporting midwives to offer a wider range of funded immunisations, we are making it easier for families to access essential healthcare and ensuring more Kiwis are protected from preventable illness.”