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Keeping the flu at bay

April 16, 2024 11:00am

Apr 16, 2024 11:00am

Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best possible defence against catching or spreading the flu, and it’s free for anyone over 65.

The flu vaccine changes each year to help protect against the most common expected flu strains.

Although the vaccine isn’t a guarantee a person won’t catch the flu, it does reduce their risk of serious illness if they do catch it.

The flu jab is available from medical centres as well as some pharmacies. To book, visit BookMyVaccine.nz or call the vaccination healthline on 0800 28 29 26, 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

The Ministry of Health recommends that when booking the flu vaccine, people ask their healthcare provider about other vaccines including a Covid-19 booster, tetanus booster or shingles vaccine.

“It’s safe to have the flu vaccine at the same time as these immunisations,” a ministry spokesperson says.

The shingles vaccine is free for 12 months after your 65th birthday.

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