Flu vaccinations available on the Coast

Even if you have had the COVID-19 vaccine, you still need to get the flu vaccine, and vice versa. Having one doesn’t protect you against the other disease, you need both vaccines. It’s important to get immunised against flu as it could make you very sick.

Just like the COVID-19 vaccine, the flu vaccine will not completely stop you getting flu, but it reduces your chances of getting it and should stop you getting really sick and help you avoid hospitalisation.

Get immunised to stop the spread of influenza around your community. Even if you don’t feel sick, you could still be infected with influenza and pass it on to others.  If you are sick, staying away from others, regular handwashing or use of hand sanitisers and covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing also help reduce the spread of influenza.

Flu vaccinations are free for people at higher risk. This includes pregnant people, people aged 65 and over, Maori and Pacific people aged 55+, people under 65 with certain medical conditions and children aged 4 and under with serious respiratory illness.  They are available from your general practice team and most pharmacies. Please call your general practice team, local pharmacy or healthcare provider first to check availability and book an appointment, as some may have reduced staffing due to the Omicron outbreak.

There doesn’t need to be a gap after your COVID-19 booster or after you have recovered from COVID-19, you can get your flu vaccination any time – just as long as you are feeling well on the day of your flu vaccination.

You can get more information about the vaccine on the following webpages:

You can also call Healthline for advice on 0800 611 116 anytime or visit www.healthline.govt.nz

Text by West Coast DHB

Flu vaccinations available on the Coast
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