Last Chance for Free Flu Immunisation

Media Release

Date: Thursday 4 July 2013

Last Chance for Free Flu Immunisation

Waikato residents eligible for a free influenza immunisation have less than a month left to be vaccinated before the Government-subsidised campaign ends on 31 July.

“We’ve had a record-breaking season with around 94,020 Waikato residents already vaccinated this year. Compared to last year, that’s an increase of more than 22,000 vaccinations in our region,” Waikato District Health Board (DHB’s) medical officer of health Dr Felicity Dumble said.

The Chiefs, some partners, and their children were among the Waikato residents to seek flu protection via vaccination earlier in the year, reinforcing the key message that no one is ‘too fit to get hit’.

Nationally flu vaccinations are also at their highest ever, with around 1.24 million New Zealanders vaccinated as of 21 June. About 640,000 of those eligible for the free vaccination have taken up the offer so far.

However Dr Dumble is concerned that many vulnerable people are still unprotected.

“We are coming into the period where the flu usually starts to rise rapidly and it can take up to two weeks to develop protection after vaccination,” she said.

“People, especially those at greatest risk from flu complications, should follow the example of the other 94,020 flu-protected Waikato residents and be immunised as soon as possible.”

Influenza immunisation is free from a GP or nurse until the end of July for New Zealanders at high risk of complications - pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and for people of any age with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease (including asthma), kidney disease and most cancers.

Anyone who wants to be immunised against influenza after 31 July will have to pay a small charge to get it from their doctor, nurse or in some pharmacies. Dr Dumble says influenza shouldn’t be confused with common colds or other respiratory viruses often seen at this time of year.

“Influenza is a serious disease, especially for people with underlying medical conditions. It can make their condition much worse and lead to hospitalisation and even death. Influenza usually has symptoms such as a sudden onset of illness, high fever, headache, a dry cough and illness usually lasts 7-10 days.”

The three types of influenza virus currently in circulation are covered by the 2013 seasonal influenza vaccine.

“Despite what you may have heard, you cannot get influenza from the vaccine. It does not contain any live virus. Unfortunately some people may be incubating a common cold when vaccinated and then develop respiratory symptoms due to a non-influenza virus,” Dr Dumble said.

For advice about influenza immunisation visit www.fightflu.co.nz or text FLU to 515 or go to www.waikatodhb.health.nz/flu

For free health advice, call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

Sidebar:
NUMBER OF IMMUNISED MIDWIVES SOARS THANKS TO NEW WAIKATO DHB INITIATIVE
The number of Waikato DHB midwives immunised against the flu this year has increased by a record 14 per cent thanks to a new initiative carried out by a small group of Waikato DHB staff volunteers dubbed Ward Influenza Vaccination Champions.

Midwives nationwide have typically rejected free flu jabs despite working with the most vulnerable patients.

To improve vaccination statistics, Waikato DHB initiated the Ward Influenza Vaccination Champion role. Volunteers have been located across Waikato DHB departments to administer the vaccine to staff, making it more accessible for busy medical professionals.

“This is the first year we have introduced Ward Influenza Vaccination Champion role. We have 18 volunteers, spanning 15 departments, who have made themselves freely available to immunise other staff at short notice,” said Waikato DHB health and safety advisor Karren Moss.

Registered nurse Valaine Cabatu was chiefly responsible for vaccinating Waikato DHB midwives. Her efforts have seen an impressive 37.6 per cent of midwives vaccinated for the flu. This figure is up from 23.44 per cent last year and 22.83 per cent in 2011.

Medical officer of health Dr Felicity Dumble said the increasing uptake among midwives is “excellent news”.

“By being vaccinated they are reducing the risk of themselves passing on the disease to mothers and newborns who are both vulnerable to this disease,

“Positive attitudes to vaccination are particularly important at this time when influenza and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccines are not only recommended but also funded for pregnant women,” she said.

Valaine approached every staff member in her department and provided them with brochures about the flu and the vaccine.

“I consider it especially important for midwives to get vaccinated as they are the frontline of maternity staff. Having the vaccination means protecting themselves and reducing the risk of passing on the virus to vulnerable pregnant women,” she said

ENDS

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