February 29, 2024
Pakeke miss out on free flu vaccine
Around one million people are eligible to get this year’s influenza vaccine for free, fewer than last year.
The vaccine will be available from April 2.
It’s funded for all people 65 years and over, people with long-term conditions (like asthma and diabetes), those who are pregnant, and people with specific mental health conditions or addiction issues.
In 2022 and 2023 Covid response funding was used to also make it free for Māori and Pacific people between 55 and 64 years of age.
Pharmac pharmaceuticals director Geraldine MacGibbon says this funding has now ended so these groups are no longer eligible in 2024.
The eligibility for the funding of the flu vaccine is targeted to those who are at the highest risk of becoming ill from the influenza virus.
Those who do not qualify for the funded vaccine can pay to be vaccinated through general practitioners, pharmacists and other private immunisation providers.