V3 of the 2026 Immunisation Handbook published | Network updates

Version 3 of the 2026 Immunisation Handbook has been published on the Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand website: Immunisation handbook | Health Professionals

Changes to the Immunisation Handbook 2026 version 3 include:

Pre-vaccination screening guidance: Changed definition of unwell with fever (in relation to pre-vaccination screening), to be above 38.5 degrees C (from 38.0 degrees C). Edited wording in table 2.2 to emphasise vaccination over deferral. 
Hepatitis B: Added a section about infants who are close contacts with hepatitis B infected household members, included recommendation for serology testing at age 9-12 months. Also extended age range for serology testing of hepatitis B at-risk infants, and mentioned paediatric specialist referral if non-responders to primary course. 
Polio: Updated catch-up guidance to accept any fractional inactivated polio vaccine (fIPV) doses administered overseas, as equivalent to IPV doses.

Vaccinators are encouraged to regularly check the Immunisation Handbook on the Te Whatu Ora website and use the most current available version. 

Please email immunisation@tewhatuora.govt.nz if you have any feedback on the Immunisation Handbook or if you would like to receive notifications when updates to the Handbook are published. 