Join a global effort to understand flu from the very beginning.
Adult Study
Following adults to uncover how influenza immunity develops and changes over time.
The WellKiwis studies are members of the SHIVERS programme family. SHIVERS is a long series of research on the influenza virus and vaccine.
The first study, Southern Hemisphere Influenza, Vaccine Effectiveness, Research and Surveillance (SHIVERS), was conducted in Auckland during 2012-2017
SHIVERS-II was an adult cohort study in Wellington during 2018-2022
WellKiwis Infant (SHIVERS-III), is an infant cohort study in Wellington during 2019-2026
WellKiwis Household (SHIVERS-IV), is a household cohort study in Wellington during 2021-2028
WellKiwis Adult is a continuation of the SHIVERS-II cohort during 2023-2026
Who is conducting the study?
This is a multi-agency collaboration led by the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science). Other collaborating organisations include the Universities of Otago and Auckland, the Hutt Valley and Capital and Coast District Health Boards, Regional Public Health and other LMCs.
Who is PHF Science?
The New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science is New Zealand’s Public Research Organisation specialising in science for communities. PHF Science use world-leading science to safeguard our health, keep our communities safe, protect our food-based economy, and manage the human impact on our water and natural environment. Learn more about PHF Science.
Why are we doing the WellKiwis study?
Influenza is challenging to study and there are many aspects of the flu we don't fully understand. WellKiwis is the piece of research that emerged from a global pandemic conference, and leading scientists from around the world believe this study could deliver the insights needed to put an end to pandemics and create the universal flu vaccine.
This is pioneering research and the WellKiwis Infant study is one of three sites globally.
The WellKiwis study site located in Wellington, represents influenza transmission patterns in a Southern Hemisphere country with a temperate climate.
The Los Angeles study site represents influenza transmission in a Northern Hemisphere country with a temperate climate.
The Managua site in Nicaragua represents influenza transmission in a tropical climate.
WellKiwis innovation outcomes
WellKiwis is designed to generate knowledge that reaches beyond a single season of flu. By combining long-term follow-up with real-world household and community research, the programme aims to strengthen understanding of immunity, improve preparedness for future outbreaks, and contribute to the development of better influenza vaccines.