Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand has issued a public health advisory regarding an ongoing global hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius. As of 13 May 2026, the risk to New Zealand remains low, with no known exposed individuals currently in New Zealand or travelling here. Clinicians should be aware of hantavirus symptoms in patients with relevant travel history and contact their local Medical Officer of Health urgently if a case is suspected.

From Term 3 2026, the School-Based Immunisation Programme (SBIP) will focus on delivering HPV dose 1 in schools, and HPV dose 2 will no longer be offered through schools. Whānau wishing to complete the two-dose course can access HPV dose 2 free of charge through general practice, pharmacies, and other community providers from August 2026. General practices are also encouraged to offer catch-up HPV vaccination to all young people aged 14 to 26 who have not yet received any doses.

Version 2 of the Immunisation Handbook 2026 is now available on the Health New Zealand website (currently as PDF only, with a web version expected by end of May). Key changes include a standardised 15-minute post-vaccination observation period for all vaccines, updated influenza vaccine information for the 2026 season, and revised guidance for children aged under 4 years receiving influenza vaccine for the first time. Vaccinators are encouraged to use the most current version.

Quarter 3 performance-based capitation payments for six-week immunisations will be processed on 27 May 2026. Eligible practices should expect payment from next week. Please contact your development manager if you have any queries.

Practices in Taranaki, Lakes and Tairāwhiti can continue claiming funding for six-week immunisation pre-call and recall activities until 30 June 2026. This includes support for referral to outreach or other vaccination services where required. Please note this funding will end after this date.

Pinnacle has limited funding available to support practice managers attending the PMAANZ 2026 conference in Wellington, 17–19 September. If you'd like to be considered for partial funding, complete the expression of interest questionnaire by 30 June 2026. Successful applicants will be notified in August.

Te Whatu Ora-Taranaki paediatric dermatology referrals, for patients prior to their 15th birthday, should be directed to the 'Paediatrics-Physical Health' tab in BPAC as the 'Paediatric Dermatology' tab is being discontinued. The service criteria remain the same.

Ngā Manukura is a clinical leadership programme for Māori nurses and midwives. Enrolments are still open for 2026 cohorts, with 25 places available in each, for those who meet the criteria.

An ongoing diphtheria outbreak across several Australian states has prompted an advisory for New Zealand clinicians. The current risk of introduction to New Zealand is low, however the risk of an outbreak increases in areas with lower vaccination coverage if diphtheria is introduced, particularly in high-density settings. Read about what to watch for and how to support patients to stay protected.

Te Whatu Ora has published the Q2 2025/26 primary care indicators (October–December 2025), showing incremental gains in general practice enrolment access and childhood immunisation at 24 months, alongside a slight dip in smoking cessation support. Practices are encouraged to use the data to inform planning and quality improvement.