Flu Vaccines and COVID-19 Bivalent Boosters

Influenza vaccinations are now here. Please book online (preferred) or phone 09 6234599.

Funded (free) flu vaccinations and COVID-19 bivalent boosters are available to those eligible. Nonfunded flu vaccinations and FLUAD Quad are also availble. Please ask your doctor or our nurses for information. See here for information of COVID-19 bivalent booster eligibility.

See the fight flu website.

The influenza immunisation is free for people who are most at risk:

• 65 years of age or older
• Pregnant women (any trimester)
• Cardiovascular disease (heart disease or stroke)
• Asthma on a regular preventer, or chronic lung disease with impaired lung function
• Diabetes
• Chronic renal (kidney) disease
• Cancer, except basal and squamous skin cancer (contraindicated with some chemotherapy)
• Autoimmune disease
• Immune suppression, HIV or transplant recipient
• Neuromuscular or nervous system disorders
• Down Syndrome
• Any other serious medical condition
• Children 4 years or under who have been hospitalised for a respiratory illness, or have a history of significant respiratory illness

If you are unsure if you fit into any of these criteria please ask your doctor or nurse.

Non-funded flu vaccines are available at a cost of $35.00.

In addition, we are offering FLUAD Quad which is designed for people aged 65 years old or older. This vaccine contains an adjuvant which has been reported to boost the effectiveness of the vaccine. Please read more information here. It is only available for people aged 65 years or older and will cost $48.00.

Influenza (flu) is a common viral illness. Most cases occur during the winter months: May to October in New Zealand. It is easily spread to others through talking, coughing and sneezing. People are always at risk of repeatedly catching influenza because the virus types or strains are always changing. 

Influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19, however it will help prevent a serious illness that causes hundreds of deaths and places significant pressure on healthcare services each winter in New Zealand.

Influenza Facts:

• Influenza isn't just a bad cold - it can be serious and can kill. The "flu" is usually sudden onset and starts with fever and body aches. Other symptoms may be a sore throat, headache, cough and fatigue. The fever usually lasts between 3 to 5 days. The cough and fatigue may last 2 weeks.
• Influenza spreads very easily and up to 1 in 4 of us come into contact with influenza every year.
• You are infectious just prior to getting the flu and for the first 5 days if you an adult and 2 weeks if you are a child. Transmission is through direct contact - touch and inhalation of virus in droplets of moisture from breathing, coughing and sneezing.
• Even if you do not get sick, you can still carry the virus and infect family, friends and work colleagues.
• Immunisation is one of your best forms of protection
• Immunisation helps prepare your immune system to fight the flu and takes 2 weeks to work.
• You CANNOT get the flu from the vaccine as the vaccine does not contain live virus.
• Being fit and healthy will not stop you getting the flu

A small number of people, such as those who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccine previously or those who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs, should not be vaccinated without first consulting their doctor.

Please talk to your doctor or nurse for more information.

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