Last Chance for Free Influenza Vaccine

Last Chance for Free Influenza Vaccine

Waikato DHB is urging Waikato residents to prioritise getting their influenza vaccine, with less than one week before the Government-subsidised influenza campaign ends on 31 July.

While hospital presentations for influenza currently remain at low levels, a recent surge in other winter illnesses at Waikato Hospital acts as a timely reminder for residents to get the vaccine before the influenza season hits hard.

“So far there has been little evidence of influenza both in our region and nationwide. But numbers usually go up exponentially when it does hit,” Waikato DHB clinical microbiologist Dr Chris Mansell said.

“Vaccinations take two weeks for full protection to occur, so if residents have the vaccine now it should work well before the peak of influenza can arrive,” he said.

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

Influenza vaccine will be available after 31 July but it will no longer be free for the at risk groups.

“People, especially those at greatest risk from influenza complications, should not miss out on their opportunity to be vaccinated at no cost and be immunised as soon as possible,” medical officer of health Dr Dell Hood said.

As well as GPs and practice nurses, some pharmacists are now also approved to give the influenza vaccine. Many employers also offer free immunisation to their employees.

As of 16 July 2013, 94,940 doses of the influenza vaccine had been given in Waikato DHB’s area; more than 25,000 vaccines than the same time last year.

The Ministry of Health and the National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG) advise New Zealanders to take the following steps to keep themselves and their family/whanau safe from flu this winter:

• Get an influenza vaccination – it’s free for many people. Talk to your doctor or nurse about whether a seasonal vaccination is free for you.
• Wash and dry your hands often
• Stay away from people who are sick
• Stay away from work and school if you’re unwell
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.

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.

ENDS

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