Flu Vaccinations 2024

15 Apr

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a serious illness that presents a significant public health concern here in New Zealand.

Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to protect yourself against influenza, and the demand for the vaccine in our country is growing. By receiving the flu vaccine, you can lower your risk of becoming severely ill or requiring hospitalization.

Eligibility for free vaccine

The 2024 flu vaccine is available free of charge for certain groups:

Individuals aged 65 years and older
People with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart conditions (ages 6 months and above)
Pregnant individuals
Children aged 4 years and under who have a history of hospitalization due to respiratory illness or significant respiratory issues
Individuals with mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder
Individuals currently utilizing secondary or tertiary mental health and addiction services.

The funded flu vaccine for both children and adults (6 months and older) in Aotearoa New Zealand is called Influvac Tetra.

For detailed information on eligibility for the free flu vaccine, you can refer to the Pharmac guidelines.

Cost

If you do not meet the criteria for a free flu vaccine and do not have a voucher from your employer, you will need to pay for the vaccine. The cost of the flu vaccine is $38 at Newtown Medical Centre. If you're unsure about your eligibility or the cost, feel free to ask your doctor, nurse, healthcare provider, or pharmacy.

Flu information

It's important to understand that influenza is not the same as a common cold. Its symptoms, such as sudden fever, chills, muscle aches, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, and stomach upsets, can be severe and debilitating, often keeping you bedridden for a week or more. Influenza is typically spread through coughing and sneezing and is most prevalent during the winter months.

Even if you're typically in good health, the flu can make you very sick, and it can also affect vulnerable populations, including pregnant individuals, infants (especially those under 6 months old who cannot yet receive the vaccine), elderly individuals, and those with underlying health conditions.

Because the flu virus changes regularly, the vaccine is adjusted annually to match the latest strains. Therefore, getting vaccinated each year provides you with the best protection against influenza.

Covid booster

We're pleased to inform you that you can now receive your flu vaccine and COVID booster simultaneously.

The Covid vaccine is free if you meet one of the below criteria: