Government policy change in 1997 was essential for the implementation of an influenza vaccination strategy for New Zealand

Abstract

In 1997, the New Zealand Government introduced a policy to provide influenza vaccination free to all New Zealanders aged 65 years and older, and a target of 75% coverage for the year 2000 was set. In 1999, the policy of free vaccination was extended to include all individuals aged 6 months or over with a chronic medical condition. Prior to 1997, vaccine distributors had been the main promoters of influenza vaccination. Only 68 vaccine doses per 1000 population were distributed in 1996. In 1997, the first year of the new policy, vaccine coverage among those aged 65 and over rose from an estimated 28% to 38%, and to 44% in 1998. With the extension of the policy of free influenza vaccination in 1999, the number of vaccine doses distributed increased to 137 per 1000 population and coverage among those aged 65 and over rose to 55%. Coverage for those aged 65 and over varied by health locality from 40% to 68%. Localities with higher coverage had active local “influenza awareness” strategies in place to co-ordinate healthcare provider efforts. Coordinated National influenza immunisation promotion was introduced as a strategy for the year 2000, with objectives of both public and healthcare provider education.