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Free Flu vaccines available for seniors and expectant mothers

Early start this year triggered by Covid-19

Venkat Raman
Auckland, March 18, 2020

RNZ file photo by Samuel Rillstone

The government has rolled out its Flu Vaccine Programme earlier than schedule, adding 400,000 more vaccines this year, stated to be the biggest ever in New Zealand.

Health Minister Dr David Clark launched the Flu Vaccine Campaign 2020 with Associate Health Minister Julie Anne Genter in Wellington this morning.

He said that flu vaccines will be available at GP clinics and that it would be free for people aged 65 and above and for pregnant women.

Reducing flu chances

Healthcare workers will also receive free vaccines from their employers, he said.

“People with certain chronic conditions, and young children with a history of severe respiratory illness will also receive free vaccines. New Zealanders’ health is our top priority. Our strong advice is to get your flu vaccine early this year to protect yourself, your family and your colleagues against the spread of the flu,” Dr Clark said.

He said that vaccination will reduce chances people catching the flu, improving their ability to manage higher demand at hospitals from COVID-19.

Strain on the system

“It is critical that we do all we can to prevent a bad flu season this year. The flu causes significant strain on our health system and more people vaccinating against flu will ensure health services are there for those who need them most. While the flu vaccine will not protect you against COVID-19 it will help to ‘flatten the curve’ of demand on our hospitals this winter,” Dr Clark said.

Ms Genter said that making more vaccines available earlier than usual is another step to get ahead of the global pandemic of Covid-19. 

“As expected, there is a huge global demand for the flu vaccine this year. We have done well to secure more doses than ever but we still need to ensure who are most at risk are at the front of the line. I am sure that most New Zealanders will agree this is the right thing to do,” she said.

“Our healthcare workers are the heart of our health system and it is right we ensure they are able to continue working throughout the winter. To make sure this happens, I have asked DHBs to actively target people who qualify, including healthcare workers. This will include aged care workers, as well as doctors, nurses, and hospital staff,” she said.

Education Programme

The Government also launched a major public health campaign to educate New Zealanders about simple steps everyone can take to help prevent the spread of the virus.

“Unite Against Covid-19 is a simple call to action. Now is the time for New Zealanders to come together, support each other and do the things that can help slow the spread of the virus. We are reminding people of the simple actions they can take to fight COVID-19, such as washing and drying hands frequently, coughing and sneezing into their own elbow, staying at home if they are sick and looking after each other especially the elderly and vulnerable,” Dr Clark said.

He said these actions will help slow the spread of COVID-19.

“We are in this for the long-haul and yesterday’s major health investment allocated $10 million to the campaign,” Dr Clark said.

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