There have been several recent adverse events involving faulty Freestyle Libre 3 sensors due to a manufacturing error. This issue affects Freestyle Libre 3 sensors only; Dexcom G6, Dexcom G7, and Freestyle Libre 2 sensors are not affected. Read more about what to watch for and how to support affected patients.

Pathlab is receiving a significant number of LBC samples with either labelling issues or the samples collection devices being incorrectly placed in the wrong well. They ask practices please ensure accurate and consistent sample collection using the following processes.

Technology for all people living with type 1 (T1) diabetes has been fully funded since October 2024, with 66 per cent of people with T1 in Waikato now using Automated Insulin Delivery (AID). If you have patients with T1 not using an insulin pump, please discuss the benefits of AID and refer them to the Regional Diabetes Service via BPAC for assessment and support.

On 4 December 2025, the director general of health published a new Gazette notice listing the prescription medicines registered nurses prescribing in primary health and specialty teams (registered nurse prescribers) are permitted to prescribe (the medicine list). Overall, the new medicines list extends the availability of medicines that nurses are able to prescribe. The list has been extended by an additional 202 medicines.

An amendment to the Medicines Regulations 1984 (Regulation 44A) to enable authorised vaccinators to administer vaccines and medicines for the purposes of an approved immunisation programme came into force on Friday 19 December 2025. This means that authorised vaccinators no longer require a prescription.

Te Whatu Ora has confirmed that the reporting start date for the new National Primary Care Data Set and the data-sharing requirements linked to contingent capitation, has been extended to 31 March 2026. We’ll provide a clear summary of what this means for Pinnacle practices, including options and next steps, once the final Data Access and Use Agreement and framework are released in early 2026.

The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine is seeking GPs to contribute to Year 1 curriculum development. Opportunities are available across nine block courses, with less than 10 hours’ commitment, remote participation and remuneration provided. Register your interest.

Aotearoa New Zealand is transitioning from Comirnaty JN.1 to Comirnaty LP.8.1 vaccine. Providers can now order Comirnaty 10mcg LP.8.1 for use from 1 January 2026; there is no change to vial presentation or pack size.
Please continue using existing 10mcg JN.1 stock through December and dispose of remaining vials at year end. Transitions for 3mcg (ages 6 months–4 years) and 30mcg (ages 12+) vaccines are planned for February-March 2026. Please ensure the correct vaccine is recorded in AIR during the transition.

The National Public Health Service has developed the Guidelines for Immunisation Management in Primary Care as part of the Declined Immunisation Action Plan. The guidelines standardise follow-up for declined, delayed, and missed immunisations and strengthen culturally safe engagement with whānau.

Read the latest clinical updates for Taranaki including the referral process to Rehab Taranaki for ACC concussion services via BPAC and an updated version of the database of NGOs operating within Taranaki.