Monday Pānui 4 August 2025

In today’s Pānui	Bexsero Funding Update for Children Under 5 Years Important Update: Bicillin L-A Product Alert and Supply Guidance Dengue in the Pacific – Public Health Advisory
Bexsero Funding Update for Children Under 5 Years	PHARMAC has announced that from 1 September 2025, all children under 5 years of age will be eligible for funded doses of the meningococcal B vaccine, Bexsero. This change replaces the current catch-up programme, which ends on 31 August 2025, and means that all children under five will be eligible for funded Bexsero doses, even if they did not start or complete their vaccine course in their first year of life. Bexsero is already part of the National Immunisation Schedule for children up to 12 months of age. With this update, children who missed earlier doses can now still be protected. The eligibility criteria for older children and adults at higher risk remain unchanged. However, PHARMAC has clarified the wording for these groups. Teenagers and young adults living in shared accommodation — including boarding schools, halls of residence, military barracks, youth justice facilities, and prisons, continue to be eligible under the existing criteria. Click here for more information on the funding update from PHARMAC. The Immunisation Handbook will also be updated to reflect these changes from 1 September 2025. Reminder: Always check historical vaccination records and ensure the next scheduled dose is timed correctly. Click here to see the IMAC Bexsero factsheet for further information. (This will also be updated from 1 September 2025, as will the Auckland Region HealthPathway). Bexsero Prompt CardsPrompt cards are available to help ensure correct spacing and administration of Bexsero doses. Download and use these as quick-reference tools: Bexsero A4 prompt card Bexsero A6 prompt card   Continue to recall children under 5 years using the MOHIO Report. For further questions, please contact Immunisation Coordinator: Shanaz Khan - shanaz@aucklandpho.co.nz
Important Update: Bicillin L-A Product Alert and Supply Guidance	Please find attached below an important memo from the Office of the Chief Clinical Officer regarding Bicillin L-A. It outlines recent product concerns, current supply status, and immediate actions required by all clinicians who may prescribe or administer this medicine. The document also provides advice on managing potential future shortages and available alternatives. We encourage all clinical staff to read and share this information widely to ensure safe and informed use of Bicillin L-A. Read the memo here.
Dengue in the Pacific – Public Health Advisory	Please find attached a public health advisory from the National Public Health Service (NPHS) notifying healthcare of increased Dengue cases in the Pacific and among returning travellers to New Zealand. Dengue cases in the Pacific are at their highest level since 2016. Several Pacific Island countries, including Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu are experiencing a rise in cases of dengue fever.  Samoa has been particularly affected, with more than 2,000 cases reported since an outbreak was declared on 17 April 2025.  Sadly, some people have died from the disease. All healthcare professionals are urged to please: Advise patients travelling to regions with dengue to take steps to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes. Be alert to dengue symptoms in symptomatic patients returning from the Pacific Islands within 3 weeks. Notify public health on suspicion of dengue. Patient isolation is not required.

Julia Burgess Shaw | Māhere Oti Tika / Manager - Planning & Performance