Health screening and immunisation eligibility in Aotearoa New Zealand

There are 5 free screening programmes (health checks) for certain population groups living anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand. Find out who is eligible in the section below. 

1. Newborn Metabolic Screening Programme(external link)
2. Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme(external link)
3. Breast screening(external link)
4. Cervical screening(external link)*
5. Bowel screening(external link).

* Note that while the cervical screening programme itself is free, there is generally a charge for an HPV Primary Screening test to be done (see below).

Antenatal screening for Down syndrome and other conditions is also offered. It's your choice whether or not to have this screening. 

BreastScreen Aotearoa(external link) is available for women aged between 45 and 69 years to reduce their risk of dying of breast cancer.
National Bowel Screening Programme(external link) is for men and women in New Zealand aged 60 to 74 years.
National Cervical Screening Programme(external link) is available to all people with a cervix in New Zealand aged between 25 and 69 years. This is available free for some people, read more about who is eligible for a free screening on the cervical screening page. 
Newborn Metabolic Screening Programme(external link) heel prick test when your baby is around 48 hours old.
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme(external link)  All babies now have access to newborn hearing screening free of charge.
Antenatal screening for Down syndrome and other conditions(external link) for women in New Zealand who are less than 20 weeks pregnant.
The Core Health Checks(external link) 12 free core contacts to check on your child's growth and development, oral health, immunisations and whānau health and wellbeing. 
The B4 School Check(external link) is a nationwide programme offering a free health and development check for 4 to 5 year-olds.

Other checks:

You can also use a free tool called My Heart Check.(external link) Read more about heart risk assessment.

Video: Do More Screening Tests Lead to Better Health? Choosing Wisely

In this video, Dr Mike Evans explains some of the pros and cons of screening programmes and the importance of considering what's best for each person based on their personalised profile. It may take a few moments to load.

The New Zealand National Immunisation Schedule includes a series of immunisations given at specific times. They are offered free to babies, children, adolescents and adults.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation is also free for anyone, male or female, aged 9 to 26 years inclusive.

Note: you are eligible for a free Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) booster from the age of 45 years if required. Your healthcare provider will advise on this.

Vaccines are funded for some children and adults at high risk of some diseases if they have other medical conditions. These include vaccines for:

• publicly funded hepatitis A
• hepatitis B
• haemophilus influenzae type b
• human papillomavirus (HPV)
• influenza
• meningococcal disease
• pertussis (whooping cough)
• pneumococcal disease
• tuberculosis
• varicella.

For more details see funded vaccines for special groups.(external link)

COVID-19 tests and vaccinations are free in Aotearoa New Zealand and widely available. For up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination information, visit Unite against COVID-19.(external link)