Pharmac, the Government's drug buying agency, is taking over the national immunisation programme from the Ministry of Health.
Health Minister Tony Ryall says Pharmac will buy vaccines and manage immunisation.
"This decision means there is a more consistent and cost-effective approach to purchasing medicines," he said.
Pharmac will set up a committee of immunisation experts who will advise it on which vaccines to buy.
The programme includes 11 vaccines which are offered free to babies, children and adults to protect them from diseases including tetanus, hepatitis B, polio, measles and mumps.
NZN