19119 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

19119 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: Is Health New Zealand currently planning changes that will require young people to receive their second HPV dose from general practice rather than via the school-based immunisation programme, if so on what date did this commence?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that Health New Zealand is required to ensure that people under 18 have free access to the full funded National Immunisation Schedule. While the school-based programme provides an effective and efficient immunisation service, access to the National Immunisation Schedule, including a second HPV dose, has always been available through community providers. I am further advised that parents or guardians, whose consent is required before a student receives vaccinations through the school-based immunisation programme, are provided information about the vaccine and consent forms by their child's school.