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.

ACC has moved the ACC32 treatment extension request form, used by providers under the allied health services contract or cost of treatment regulations, to ProviderHub, ACC’s new online portal for health sector providers. The ACC32 form is no longer be available on the ACC website.

Te Whatu Ora is streamlining the training and authorisation pathway for authorised vaccinators, creating a consistent national process. This includes the rollout of the workforce requests portal, an online tool for vaccinators to submit authorisation applications. To ensure pre-holiday processing, submit applications by 12 December with all required documentation as there will be a pause in application processing over the holiday period.

Te Kaunihera Manapou | Paramedic Council is consulting on the potential introduction of designated prescribing authority for paramedics in Aotearoa New Zealand. Under the proposal, only registered paramedics who complete an approved postgraduate prescribing qualification, and meet additional requirements, would be able to prescribe medicines. A strong response to the consultation will help capture the full range of views on paramedic prescribing.

The measles chapter of the Communicable Disease Control Manual has been updated, including clarifications to testing guidance, case definitions, and new advice on immunity for people born or living overseas before 1969. A summary of key changes and the updated chapter are available on our website.

LearningWorks is offering three NZQA-recognised leadership and training programmes at zero fees from February 2026. These flexible programmes are designed to fit around work commitments and deliver practical, on-the-job benefits. Spaces are limited due to funding eligibility.

Pathlab is changing its coeliac disease testing algorithm and will no longer perform upfront total IgA testing on all coeliac requests. From 11 November 2025, total IgA will only be added when results suggest possible IgA deficiency, with anti-DGP IgG continuing to be added automatically when IgA is <0.05 g/L. This updated approach aligns with published evidence and current practice at Canterbury Health Laboratories.

An updated guide on MMR vaccine eligibility for primary and community care providers is now available on the Te Whatu Ora website. The update covers funded access for people not eligible for publicly funded healthcare (including Registered Seasonal Employees), use of private-market MMR vaccine, prioritisation guidance, and adult catch-up recommendations. 

To ensure GPs have timely access to accurate clinical advice, Te Whatu Ora's obstetrics and gynaecology service now has a consultant taking calls from general practice.