12 month prescribing: goes live on 1 February.
The Practice Support Team is preparing scripts for reception staff and patient information to support the transition.
National Immunisation Hui - Key Updates
Measles update: No new cases since 21 December 2025. A total of 48 cases have been reported since 1 September 2025. Providers were acknowledged for the significant increase in MMR vaccinations delivered late last year.
COVID‑19 activity: Cases continue to circulate, with an increase noted in December.
Pertussis epidemic: The national outbreak continues, with highest rates in under‑1s, followed by 1–4 year olds.
Influenza: This year’s formulation includes recently circulating A and B strains from Australasia.
Influenza Vaccine Ordering
Influenza vaccines will be available to order from early April. Further details will follow.
Patient Experience Survey
Patient Experience Survey Weeks run from 9–22 February 2026. Information was emailed to practices on 19 January.
Clinical Triage 2026
Clinical Triage is a priority area for all practices in 2026 as alluded to by the Ministry of Health recently.Further information and discussion opportunities will be shared soon.
Collaborative Aotearoa has useful resources available in their online library: https://collaborativeaotearoa.org.nz/resources/clinical-triage-resource-health-care-home-toolkit
Product Recall - Nestle Infant Formula
A recall notice was issued on 12 January for Nestlé Alfamino Infant Formula (0–12 months). Please ensure your teams have reviewed and actioned this communication.
Whakanuia - Completion of Overdue/Passive Immunisations
A huge congratulations to all HPHO practice partners who completed their overdue/passive immunisation lists in December.
This is the first time all practices have achieved this - ka rawe!
