Getting your flu vaccine is one of the best things you can do to help stay well through the flu season. Flu can be anywhere and is easily spread through talking, coughing and sneezing. Your best protection from the flu is getting the vaccine.
Make an appointment for flu vaccination using this form or call one of our medical centres:
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The 2024 flu vaccine is free for some people
Funded influenza vaccinations are available for those who meet Pharmac’s eligibility criteria:
- pregnant people at any stage of pregnancy
- people aged 65 years and over
- people aged 6 months to under 65 years with eligible conditions
- children 4 years of age and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness
- people aged 6 months to under 65 years with serious mental health and addiction conditions
Giving consent for the flu vaccination
Before the vaccination you'll be asked to read the What You Need to Know About the Flu Vaccination Factsheet and you will be asked if you consent to the vaccination.
Your vaccinator will determine whether verbal consent or signed consent is required. You may wish to view the Flu Vaccine Consent Form in advance.
Team and workplace vaccinations
Protecting your team at work from flu is easy! Use the form above to request team vaccinations or give your nearest centre a call to book them in. We can come to your workplace at a designated date or give you vouchers your staff can use to come to our clinic. Take a look at the info sheet and booking form and give us a call:
Why flu vaccination is important every year
The flu (influenza) can make you very sick and is not the same as a common cold. Children can also become very unwell with the flu. If you get the flu, you could also spread it to vulnerable people including pregnant women, babies (especially those under 6 months who are too young for the vaccine), elderly people, and those with health conditions.
The flu virus changes often which means that the vaccine must be tweaked each year to match the new strains. This is why for your best protection, it is so important to get a flu vaccine every year.
Reporting vaccine side effects
Like most medications, vaccines can sometimes cause reactions. These are usually mild, and not everyone will get them. Mild reactions are normal and show that your immune system is responding to the vaccine. Serious side effects are rare. If you have any questions or concerns please contact your nurse or doctor.
Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand is running an anonymous Flu Post Vaccine Survey that asks about side effects and your vaccine experience. To register, scan the QR code. You will be texted a link to the survey.
FAQs
1. Who can get the flu vaccine? The flu vaccine is available for children aged 6 months and over and adults. While a flu vaccine is recommended for all people, some people who are most likely to get very sick from the flu are able to get a FREE flu vaccine:
- pregnant people at any stage of pregnancy
- people aged 65 years and over
- people aged 6 months to under 65 years with eligible conditions
- children 4 years of age and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness
- people aged 6 months to under 65 years with serious mental health and addiction conditions
2. Who should not receive the flu vaccine? Most people can have a flu vaccine, however people who have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any ingredient in the vaccine or to a previous dose of the flu vaccine should not receive the vaccine. The flu vaccine CAN be given to people with egg allergy or egg anaphylaxis. If you are unwell you should wait until you are recovered and well to have the flu vaccine.
3. I’ve had the COVID vaccine, do I also need the flu vaccine? The COVID-19 vaccine does NOT protect against the influenza (flu) virus. The flu vaccine is recommended for all people aged 6 months and older and some people who are most likely to get very sick from the flu are able to get a FREE flu vaccine. You can get the flu vaccine at any time, including before, after, or at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.
4. I’ve had COVID-19 infection, should I get the flu vaccine and when can I get it? The flu vaccine is recommended for all people aged 6 months and older and some people who are most likely to get very sick from the flu are able to get a FREE flu vaccine. You can get the flu vaccine once you have recovered from your COVID-19 infection and are feeling well. Previous COVID-19 infection will NOT provide protection against the influenza (flu) virus.
5. Can I get the COVID vaccine/ booster at the same time as the flu vaccine? Yes! There is no gap required between when you get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine. They can be given at the same time or you can get a flu vaccine any time before or after you get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster.
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