Minister
of Health 17 August 2012
Media Statement Seasonal Flu
Vaccine Doses Top One Million
Over one
million New Zealanders have had a flu vaccination this year
– and more are expected to with the free seasonal flu
vaccination scheme for eligible people open until the end of
the month.
“District health boards, doctors,
practice nurses and some pharmacists have done a great job
to help so many New Zealanders be protected against seasonal
flu this year,” says Health Minister Tony Ryall.
“This is the second time we have reached this
milestone – the other was in 2010, the second year of the
swine flu pandemic, when around 1.02 million New Zealanders
had a flu vaccination.
Last year around 990,000
doses were distributed during the whole season.
“New Zealand is now well and truly into the winter flu
season. Our flu season often lasts around 8 – 10 weeks, so
we are likely to have a few more weeks of flu circulating
around the country and I urge people to get vaccinated,"
says Mr Ryall.
“Although flu can be a mild to
moderate illness for most of us, for some people, it can
lead to serious complications – even death.
The
flu vaccination is free to those at greatest risk of serious
influenza complications, including New Zealanders over the
age of 65, pregnant women and people with ongoing health
conditions such as asthma or heart problems.
People
who are not eligible for the programme can purchase the
vaccine from their general practitioner.
Information
about influenza immunisation can be found at www.fightflu.co.nz or text FLU to 515,
or call Healthline 0800 611 116.
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