Evolution of the New Zealand childhood immunisation schedule from 1980: a personal view

A personal view of the evolution of the New Zealand immunisation schedule (from the perspective of someone who has been involved in the decision-making process since 1980) is presented in this article. The rationale behind changes to vaccination strategies to control pertussis, hepatitis B, polio, measles, mumps and rubella, and Haemophilus influenzae type b are presented. Finally brief comment is made on the National Immunisation Register and the likely vaccines to be introduced into the schedule in the foreseeable future.