12-month prescriptions 

 From early 2026, some prescriptions may be valid for up to 12 months.  

You may be eligible if:  

  • your condition & medication dose are stable 
  • you don’t need regular monitoring (e.g. blood tests or blood pressure checks) 
  • you agree to have a dedicated annual in-person review  

 

Some prescriptions will not be eligible for the 12-month option and will require more frequent prescribing intervals. This includes but is not limited to:  

  • controlled medicines (eg opioids, stimulants) 
  • medicines taken “only as needed”  
  • medicines that need monitoring within 12 months (eg blood tests, blood pressure) 
  • if your condition or medicine dose has changed in the past 6 months 

 

The final decision about whether a 12-month prescription is safe and appropriate sits with your prescriber. At Halswellhealth, we have a repeat prescribing policy available to read here.

Please note. 

  •  You will still collect up to three months of medication at a time from the pharmacy — even if you have a 12-month prescription.  

 

Talk to your clinician at your next appointment — we’re here to help you understand what these changes mean for you. 

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COVID Vaccinations are now available at Halswellhealth

 Getting the flu vaccine is a great time to also check for and receive any recommended COVID-19 vaccines. Like influenza, COVID-19 is highly contagious and can lead to severe respiratory illness and complications in older people and those with underlying medical conditions. It remains a leading cause of infection related hospitalisations and deaths in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly for older adults. Once or twice-yearly additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged if older or at higher risk of getting sick from COVID-19. These are important because vaccine protection decreases over time, and the vaccine is updated regularly to match changes in the circulating COVID-19 virus. In 2026, the vaccine has been updated to target the LP.8.1 variant.