Pneumonia Vaccine Funding

MDANZ Member Support

Protecting your respiratory health is a priority. The Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand (MDANZ) provides partial vaccine reimbursements and financial support options to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for pneumococcal immunisation.

Why pneumococcal vaccination matters for NMD

Staying well throughout the year, especially during winter, is critical for individuals living with a neuromuscular condition.

Many neuromuscular conditions affect respiratory muscle strength, making it harder to cough and clear the airways effectively. This increases the risk of:

  • Developing chest infections and pneumococcal pneumonia.

  • Experiencing severe respiratory complications or hospitalisation from otherwise manageable illnesses.

Vaccination helps build immunity against Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, significantly lowering the risk of severe invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD).

Public funding eligibility & the funding gap

The National Immunisation Schedule fully funds pneumococcal vaccines for children under 5 years of age. However, public Pharmac funding is generally not available for older children and adults with neuromuscular conditions unless they meet specific criteria (such as severe immunosuppression, functional asplenia, or kidney failure).

Because most individuals with neuromuscular conditions fall outside standard public funding criteria, GP clinics usually charge out-of-pocket fees for Pneumovax 23 (23PPV) and Prevenar 13 (PCV13).

MDANZ $70 reimbursement for Pneumovax 23

To help remove financial barriers for our community, MDANZ offers a partial reimbursement of $70 towards the cost of the Pneumovax 23 vaccine for registered members.

Eligibility criteria

  • Must be a registered member of MDANZ (Individual or Tamariki/Rangatahi member).

  • Must have a diagnosed neuromuscular condition covered by MDANZ.

  • Vaccination must be administered by a registered General Practice or health provider in New Zealand.

How to Claim Your $70 Reimbursement

  1. Book & Pay: Visit your GP or medical centre to receive the Pneumovax 23 vaccine and pay the clinic directly.

  2. Keep Your Receipt: Obtain an official itemised GST receipt showing your name, the vaccine brand (Pneumovax 23), and the date of administration.

  3. Complete the Claim Form: Download and fill out the MDANZ Pneumonia Vaccine Reimbursement Form.

  4. Submit: Email your completed form and receipt to info@mda.org.nz or post it to:
    Muscular Dystrophy Association of NZ
    PO Box 12603, Penrose, Auckland 1642

  5. Receive Payout: Reimbursements are processed into your nominated bank account within 5 working days of receiving your verified documentation.

Prevenar 13 & additional financial support

Due to limited charitable funds, MDANZ does not run an automatic reimbursement scheme for Prevenar 13 (PCV13).

However, if your clinician or specialist recommends receiving both Prevenar 13 and Pneumovax 23, or if you face financial hardship covering the remaining costs, we encourage you to apply to the MDANZ Members’ Discretionary Fund (Bradley Jenkin Memorial Fund).

  • Grant Limits: Up to $500 per application for specialised health and wellbeing costs.

  • Funding Rounds: Four rounds per year (closing 31 January, 30 April, 31 July, and 31 October).

  • Requirements: Applications require a quote or proof of cost and a brief statement on how the grant will support your health and independence.

  • Learn More: Visit the Bradley Jenkin Memorial Fund Page or contact your local Fieldworker.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Membership with MDANZ is free for individuals with a covered neuromuscular condition and their whānau. You can complete our quick Online Membership Form before or alongside submitting your vaccine reimbursement claim.

  • Yes. Pneumovax 23 can safely be co-administered with flu shots and COVID-19 boosters during the same GP visit (using separate injection sites).

  • For most adults requiring extended protection, revaccination is only recommended after a minimum interval of 5 years, up to a maximum of 3 doses in an adult lifetime. Always consult your GP or respiratory specialist for timing tailored to your health profile.

  • Please ensure the receipt explicitly lists the patient’s name and indicates that a pneumococcal vaccine was administered. If you have questions about invoice format, email info@mda.org.nz.

Need further assistance?

Our nationwide Fieldwork Service is here to support you with advocacy, navigating health funding, and accessing financial grants.