A funding boost is set to provide free EpiPens to 2500 children at risk of serious allergic reactions.

EpiPens cost between $120 and $350 each and are not publicly funded by PHARMAC.

Allergy New Zealand CEO Mark Dixon told Mike Hosking they're joining forces with Pub Charity to fund the EpiPens for those most in need.

"If you're living in a first world country with a free health system, you would expect that children who don't have a choice on this would have this medicine provided as part of an inclusive and safe health policy."

He says that they've made numerous attempts in the last 15 years to have the pens publicly funded by Pharmac.

"They haven't chosen to put a higher priority on it and we've been waiting 15 years. We're the longest waiting medicine on Pharmac's list."

Dixon says despite being a good step forward, this funding will only provide EpiPens to a fraction of those who need them.