This year's Influenza Immunisation Programme started on Friday 1 April.
It’s important to get the flu vaccine this year. New Zealand’s border has been closed for the last two years and there’s been no flu outbreak, so everyone’s immunity is lower than usual and there’s a bigger chance of catching the flu.
Flu vaccinations are free for:
- Māori and Pacific people who are over 55 years of age
- people of other ethnicities who are over 65 years of age
- people who have a long-term medical condition
- children who are 4 years old or younger who have been in hospital for measles, asthma or other breathing problems
- pregnant women.
You can get your flu vaccine at your local health centre. Many pharmacies also give flu vaccines. You can check which pharmacies in your area offer the flu vaccine on the Health Point website - enter your address or region into the search criteria.