Vaccinations

RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, a chest infection that affects babies and small children's breathing. It is especially serious for babies under six months, those born prematurely, and those with chronic respiratory, cardiac, or immune conditions.

Nirsevimab is a preventive treatment that protects infants from RSV, however it is currently unfunded in New Zealand.

For people already living with cardiovascular disease or COPD, shingles (herpes zoster) poses serious and compounding risk. Their immune systems are already under pressure, making the consequences of shingles more severe and recovery harder.

Currently, a vaccine is available, but is only funded from age 65 or certain immuno-compromised individuals aged 18 and older who are at increased risk of getting shingles. It is recommended from age 50 onwards.

The Cardiac and Respiratory Foundation NZ is calling on the Government to:

• Fast-track nirsevimab (for RSV) for all infants under one entering winter, and all high-risk children under two – including Māori, Pacific Peoples, and those with chronic respiratory, cardiac, or immune conditions
• Fund the shingles vaccine for patients with cardiovascular disease or COPD, where it poses serious and compounding risk