April 05, 2024
Vaccines ready as flu season looms
The vaccine for this year’s influenza strains in now available, and the medical officer of health for Te Whatu Ora Counties Manuka is encouraging whānau to get their jab to reduce pressure on emergency departments later in the winter.
Dr Andrew Connolly says while the Government chose to drop free vaccinations for Māori and Pasifika over 55, free shots are still available for anyone over 65, as well as those with heart disease, diabetes, asthma, mental health and addiction problems and various other conditions.
Some employers are also offering jabs to staff.
“I’d encourage the listeners to either talk to the local chemist or talk to their local GP. They will know if someone qualifies or not for the free jab but it’s really valuable, immunisation, so if you are talking to your health professional, double check that your kids are up up to date with their immunisation becasue we know it saves a lot of lives,” Dr Connolly says.
Meanwhile WellSouth, the primary health network for Otago and Southland, says it will fund free flu jabs for Māori and Pasifika aged 55 to 64 from its own resources.
Clinical director Dr Carol Atmore says as Māori and Pacific people experience a greater illness burden at a younger age than NZ European people, and often live in multi-generational households, this was seen as a great targeted service to promote health in this population group.
If you are not eligible for a free flu vaccine, it can cost between $25 and $45.