Friday 20 March 2020Canterbury DHB News1 minute to read

The influenza or flu vaccine is now available for free for people who are at highest risk of complications from influenza.

The eligible groups who can get a free vaccination now are:

• pregnant women
• people aged 65 years and over
• people aged under 65 years with heart or respiratory disease, severe asthma, diabetes, cancer and other serious medical conditions. (See full list of conditions at www.fightflu.co.nz).

Eligible people aged three years and over can get the free flu vaccination from their general practice. Those aged 13 years and older can also choose to have their flu vaccination at a participating pharmacy.

A children’s vaccine will be available for eligible children aged six to 35 months from 1 April.

Those in contact with high-risk people, particularly healthcare staff, can now also get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Influenza immunisation offers the best protection from the four influenza strains health experts believe are most likely to circulate this season.

If you are not eligible for the free flu shot

You can pay for a flu shot from your general practice or a participating pharmacy from 13 April 2020.

Tags FluFlu seasonInfluenzaPublic healthVaccination

Related topics

Public Health

Back to Health News