2026 flu season
Getting a flu jab helps reduce your risk of getting really sick or having to go to hospital.
On this page
Every year Pharmac funds an influenza vaccine for people who meet the eligibility criteria. The currently funded vaccine for people is called Influvac Tetra for adults and young people. There is ample supply for everyone who meets the funding criteria.
2026 eligibility
The flu season for 2026 begins on 1 April 2026. The flu vaccine is free for those who are most vulnerable to becoming very sick if they get the flu.
For the 2026 flu season, the vaccine is funded for everyone:
- 65 years old and over
It is also funded for people under 65 who are most at risk of becoming very sick from flu, such as people:
- with long-term conditions (like asthma, diabetes or cardiovascular disease)
- with reduced immune function
- who are pregnant
- with specific mental health conditions or addiction issues
- 4 years old and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness.
How much vaccine has been distributed?
Each year, we track how much vaccine is distributed to vaccinators. So far, only 2024 had earlier distribution of vaccines in March.
Who to contact
If you have questions about flu vaccine funding, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz