meningitis vaccination notice

There have been several cases of meningitis in NZ recently. If living in these places you are entitled to FREE meningitis vaccinations - Boarding school hostels, Tertiary education halls of residence, Military barracks, Youth Justice residences or prisons. 

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changes to repeat prescriptions.

From 1 February 2026, some patients may be eligible to receive 12-month prescriptions for certain long-term medications.

This change aims to make it easier for suitable patients to continue their regular medicines, while ensuring everyone continues to receive safe, high-quality care.

What’s Changing?

Most long-term medicines are currently prescribed for up to 3 months at a time.
From February, some long-term medicines may be able to be prescribed for up to 12 months, depending on your health status and medication type.
Your clinician will decide whether a 12-month prescription is safe and appropriate for you.

Who May Be Eligible?

You might qualify for a 12-month prescription if:

  • Your health condition is stable
  • Your medication and dose haven’t changed for 6 months or more
  • Your medicine does not require frequent monitoring 
  • The medication is approved for long-term prescribing
  • You can attend an annual in-person review

Most patients will still receive 3- or 6-month prescriptions to ensure good monitoring and continuity of care.

Who Will NOT Be Eligible?

Some medications cannot be prescribed for 12 months, including:

  • Controlled medications (opioids, benzodiazepines, sleeping tablets, ADHD medications)
  • “As-needed” medicines (e.g., pain relief, laxatives)
  • Medicines requiring regular tests or monitoring 
  • Conditions that are not stable or have recently changed

Your clinician will always consider your individual health needs.

What Stays the Same?

  • Pharmacies will continue to dispense medicines in 3-monthly supplies, even with a 12-month prescription
  • You will only pay the usual co-payment (e.g., $5) once per prescription cycle
  • You cannot collect all 12 months at once

Why This Change?

This update is intended to reduce the need for frequent prescription requests for suitable patients.
However, less frequent visits can mean fewer opportunities to pick up early signs of health changes — which is why eligibility will be assessed case-by-case.
Your safety and wellbeing remain our top priority.

Have Questions?

If you’d like to know whether you may be eligible for a 12-month prescription, please speak with your clinician at your next appointment.
We’re here to make the process clear and support your ongoing care.