Medicines and vaccines

Organising medicines and vaccinations

Before you arrive in New Zealand, you should get your health checked, make sure you have copies of important medical documents and arrange to get vaccinations. Being prepared will save you time and trouble later!

Get your health checked before you arrive

Before you arrive in New Zealand, you should go to your doctor and dentist to make sure there's no health problems you might have to manage while you're away from home.

At the doctor arrange for the medical documents listed below. If you have any problems with your teeth that your dentist is concerned about, it's also a good idea to get them to write you a note explaining the problems. If you need to go to a dentist in New Zealand, this note may be helpful and save time.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, make sure you have a copy of your prescription. You'll need it to replace your glasses or contact lenses if they break or you lose them while you're in New Zealand. If you don't have a copy of your prescription already, call your optometrist (the person who examines your eyes to help you get the correct glasses prescription) and ask them to send it to you, or make an appointment to get one.