Monday, 09 May 2022 14:55

Free Flu and Covid-19 boosters available

Written by  Staff Reporters
District Health Boards are reminding Kiwis to get their flu jabs ahead of what is expected to be a tough winter. District Health Boards are reminding Kiwis to get their flu jabs ahead of what is expected to be a tough winter.

District Health Boards across New Zealand are kicking off a push to encourage people to get their flu jabs ahead of what is expected to be a tough winter.

MidCentral DHB chief medical officer Dr Kelvin Billinghurst says it is important that people who are high-risk prepare for winter by getting their flu vaccine and Covid-19 boosters as soon as possible.

“Flu season is kicking off, the days are starting to get colder, and we’re going to see the flu make its way through the community.”

Billinghurst says that the upcoming flu season is expected to be particularly difficult.

“Some people can get very sick when they catch the flu – in most years, influenza hospitalises thousands of people, and some people die.

“After two years of lockdowns, mandates and social distancing measures in place, the flu hasn’t really had a chance to take hold. With the borders opening, we will be exposed to the circulating flu virus from overseas which is a serious concern for those who are vulnerable,” says Billinghurst.

“Receiving an annual flu jab is important because immunity wanes over time, and the vaccine changes to respond to the circulating influenza viruses at the time.”

He says it is safe to receive the flu vaccine alongside your Covid-19 vaccine.

Waikato DHB is also encouraging people to get vaccinated against the flu this winter.

“Our borders being closed for two years protected us from influenza, but now they’ve re-opened we will be exposed to new flu variants along with other viruses such as measles,” says Dr Felicity Dumble, Waikato DHB medical officer of health.

“Disease outbreaks can have serious consequences for families and communities. Those who are not immunised, whether that’s by choice or other circumstances, are worse affected by these outbreaks.”

The flu vaccine is available free of charge across New Zealand for a number of people, including those over 65 years old, Māori and Pacific people aged 55 and over, adults with health conditions such as asthma and diabetes, children aged four years or under with a history of significant respiratory illness, and pregnant women.

Those who don’t qualify for the funded vaccine can pay to be vaccinated through their GP, pharmacists and other private immunisation providers.

More like this

M.I.A.

OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.

Gaslight much?

OPINION: Labour leader Chris 'Chippy' Hipkins is carrying on the world-class gaslighting of the nation that he and his cohorts started after their disastrous Covid response; now trying to undermine the Covid inquiry to protect his own backside.

Sorry, not sorry

OPINION: Did former PM Jacinda Ardern get fawning reviews for her book?

Every exhibitor with something valuable to offer for farmers

OPINION: Welcome to the second annual NZ Dairy Expo at Matamata – an event created to bring together the best of the New Zealand dairy industry in a focused, grassroots environment where dairy farmers and rural professionals can meet, talk, compare products, and make smart decisions for their farms.

Red meat sector battles on

It's a bloody tough year for sheep farmers, but the worst may be over, and the future looks optimistic.

Featured

Dr Mike Joy says sorry, escapes censure

Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.

People-first philosophy pays off

The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.

Farmer anger over Joy's social media post

A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Faking it

OPINION: Demand for red meat is booming, while it seems the heyday of plant-based protein is well past its 'best…

M.I.A.

OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter