The legal framework
New Zealand was among the earlier countries to introduce universal infant vaccination, in 1988, following a national screening and immunisation effort. Chronic infection remains concentrated among Māori, Pacific and Asian communities, and a dedicated national programme provides free screening and follow-up for those groups.
New Zealand introduced universal infant hepatitis B vaccination in 1988, one of the earliest programmes in the world, and the effect on chronic infection rates among younger cohorts has been dramatic. Antenatal screening is routine, and there is a national follow-up programme for people living with chronic hepatitis B, run largely through community organisations.
Key points
| Infant vaccination | Universal since 1988 |
|---|---|
| Birth dose | For babies of carriers, with immunoglobulin |
| Antenatal screening | Universal |
| Free screening | Available through a dedicated national programme for higher prevalence groups |
| Monitoring | Free follow-up for chronic carriers through the programme |
| Treatment | Publicly funded |
| Concentration | Higher prevalence among Māori, Pacific and Asian communities |
In practice
- If you are Māori, Pacific or Asian and born before 1990, ask about free screening through the national programme.
- Chronic carriers are entitled to free monitoring: ask to be enrolled.
- Household contacts should be tested and vaccinated.
- Ask for all three serological markers.
Cost and coverage
Screening for eligible groups and monitoring are free; treatment is publicly funded.
Where to go
- The Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand, which runs the national follow-up programme.
- General practices and sexual health services.
- Māori and Pacific health providers.
Worth knowing
Free lifelong monitoring for chronic carriers exists as a national programme. Many carriers are not enrolled and therefore never monitored — ask to be added.
Frequently asked questions
Is there follow-up for people with chronic infection?
Yes — a national follow-up programme monitors people with chronic hepatitis B with regular blood tests and liver imaging, delivered partly through community organisations working with Māori, Pacific and Asian communities where prevalence is highest. Enrolment is free.
What does a positive result mean for a partner?
The partner should be tested and, if neither immune nor already vaccinated, vaccinated — the vaccine is highly effective and settles the question permanently. Condoms protect in the meantime. Chronic hepatitis B is not a reason to end a relationship: effective treatment suppresses the virus to very low levels, and a vaccinated partner is protected.
Official sources and links
- govt.nz — official government information
- New Zealand Legislation — acts and regulations