Free measles vaccinations for infants will only extend as far as Auckland's boundaries.
Babies in the region are now eligible for a free MMR dose from six months old, instead of 12.
"As the mother of a young baby myself, I cannot urge parents strongly enough to get their babies vaccinated," Associate Health Minister Julie Anne Genter said on Friday.
Plunket clinical services manager Sophie Woodger says it's a great move.
"The age group which is most likely to be hospitalised is under 12 months... a 60 percent rate of hospitalisation."
Children under 15 years old across the country who haven't had a single dose now have free access to the vaccine. There have been more than 1500 cases in Auckland, where the outbreak has hit hardest.
"At the moment, Auckland is where it needs to be prioritised - and especially in Counties Manukau, where the outbreak is the worst," said Woodger. "I think that in terms of going forward, it will be really interesting to see what the nationwide response is."
Babies are the most at risk from the disease, which can wipe out immunity from other diseases and even kill.
"We've had a lot of parents ringing and asking us how they can protect those children who haven't been able to have the vaccination previously. I think there will be a lot of families really excited about the opportunity to take that extra step."
Genter on Friday announced an independent review of the Ministry of Health's response to the measles outbreak.
Newshub.
