New Zealand manages rising respiratory illness and workplace impacts

New Zealand is facing increased pressure from respiratory illnesses, including influenza, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The surge in RSV has led to high hospitalization rates, particularly among infants, with Māori and Pacific children in deprived households being disproportionately affected.

While Medsafe has approved the antibody injection nirsevimab (Beyfortus), there is currently no publicly funded program to provide it to infants generally. This has prompted calls for wider access to preventive medicines, as a recent survey showed 70% of respondents support publicly funded RSV immunization for eligible infants and during pregnancy.

Simultaneously, businesses are navigating the impact of seasonal illness on the workforce. The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) reports that employers are increasingly concerned about managing staff who arrive at work while unwell to prevent spreading illness. Smaller businesses, in particular, face operational challenges when multiple employees are absent, sometimes requiring management to step in to maintain essential services.