Proposal to increase list price and subsidy of influenza vaccine for 2022

What we’re proposing

Pharmac is seeking feedback on a proposal to increase the list price and subsidy for the funded brands of influenza vaccine (Afluria Quad and Afluria Quad Junior) from $9.00 to $11.00 per dose from 1 March 2022. The confidential net price to Pharmac would remain unchanged. These brands would remain fully funded for eligible patients.

Consultation closes at 4pm, 11 February 2022 and feedback can be emailed to consult@pharmac.govt.nz

Who we think will be interested

  • Vaccinators, distributors and suppliers including
    • GP vaccinators
    • Pharmacy vaccinators
    • Pharmaceutical wholesalers
    • Other influenza vaccine suppliers
    • DHB Procurement Officers and supply chain personnel

What would the effect be?

If this proposal is approved, the price that vaccinators purchase funded influenza vaccine at would increase. The Ministry of Health has advised that it would increase the Influenza Vaccine Subsidy payable by the corresponding amount, so that vaccinators would still be fully reimbursed when making an Immunisation Benefit Claim when vaccinating a patient eligible for a funded vaccination.  

The price increase may also result in a higher purchase price for unfunded patients.

Why we’re proposing this

The supplier (Seqirus) is seeking to increase the price of the influenza vaccine to the market. However, the net cost after rebates would remain unchanged so there would be no additional cost to the Combined Pharmaceutical Budget. Vaccinators would pay a higher purchase price but their reimbursement claims would be increased by the corresponding amount, so there would be no net cost increase to vaccinators.

To provide feedback

Send us an email: consult@pharmac.govt.nz by 4pm, 11 February 2022.

All feedback received before the closing date will be considered by Pharmac’s Board (or its delegate) prior to making a decision on this proposal.

Feedback we receive is subject to the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) and we will consider any request to have information withheld in accordance with our obligations under the OIA. Anyone providing feedback, whether on their own account or on behalf of an organisation, and whether in a personal or professional capacity, should be aware that the content of their feedback and their identity may need to be disclosed in response to an OIA request.

We are not able to treat any part of your feedback as confidential unless you specifically request that we do, and then only to the extent permissible under the OIA and other relevant laws and requirements. If you would like us to withhold any commercially sensitive, confidential proprietary, or personal information included in your submission, please clearly state this in your submission and identify the relevant sections of your submission that you would like it withheld. Pharmac will give due consideration to any such request.