New surveillance data from PHF Science show invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) rates in New Zealand remained stable in 2025, but continue to sit above levels seen before 2023, highlighting the ongoing burden of this serious bacterial infection.
The latest IPD annual surveillance report found increases in the disease among children under two years of age, compared with the previous year, although rates remain below the peak recorded in 2022. The increase was largely driven by pneumococcal serotypes not covered by New Zealand's current childhood pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13).
Adults aged 65 years and older continued to experience the highest burden of disease, with incidence reaching its highest level in the past decade.
The report also demonstrates the continued success of childhood vaccination. Cases caused by serotype 19A, which is covered by PCV13, fell to their lowest level since 2021, reflecting the ongoing impact of the immunisation programme.
In 2025, serotype 8 became the leading cause of IPD in New Zealand, with serotype 22F the second most common. Neither of these serotypes are included in the PCV13 vaccine, but both serotypes are included in the PCV20 vaccine.
The findings also highlight ongoing health inequities. Māori and Pacific peoples continued to experience higher rates of IPD than European and other populations across most age groups.
There was encouraging news on antimicrobial resistance, with penicillin resistance declining compared with recent years. Researchers believe this is likely linked to the reduction in serotype 19A, which has historically been associated with antibiotic resistance.
The report underscores the critical role of ongoing surveillance in tracking changes in pneumococcal disease and antimicrobial resistance. These data provide an important evidence base to support future immunisation policy and help protect New Zealanders from serious pneumococcal disease.