March 09, 2022
Pharmac considers free flu jabs for Māori
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Pharmac want to add Māori and Pacific’s peoples aged between 55 and 64 to those who can get a free flu jab.
Operations director Lisa Williams says that will mean an additional 39,000 people in the 2022 influenza season.
She says border closures and Covid public health measures mean there has been minimal influenza circulating in New Zealand over the past two years, which could lead to reduced immunity this year.
Māori and Pacific’s peoples are at an increased risk from influenza because of lower vaccination rates and a high incidence of pre-existing health conditions.
The flu vaccine is already free for those who are most vulnerable to becoming very sick if they get the flu including pregnant women, all people aged 65 and over, and people with certain health conditions, such as chronic asthma or diabetes.
Information on the consultation is on the Pharmac website.