Flu

Flu vaccination

Flu Vaccine 2024

Available from 2nd April 2024

No charge for all eligible groups. Including over 65 years and patients with some chronic conditions.

If you are not eligible for a funded flu vaccine the cost will be $27.

Children are not funded this year unless they have chronic conditions and met the criteria.

Available 9am - 4.30pm seven days a week.

Thanks to COVID, we’re constantly being reminded about viral illnesses. Now, it’s time to think about the flu. Over the last couple of years, the flu has taken a back seat to COVID-19, but with the 1^st of April being the start of the flu season and with the re-opening of international borders, we are taking the opportunity to plan early to protect ourselves, and you, against the influenza virus.

Delays in vaccine distribution, due to COVID-19, are hindering our efforts to offer booked appointments currently, but rest-assured we will be offering our usual mix of flu clinic and booked appointments, as soon as we have some certainty about the arrival of the vaccines onsite. Further communication will be sent out via email, facebook and on our website.

For people 65 and older, there are 2 vaccine options available this year - a funded vaccine - Alfluria Quad – which is offered to all age groups, and a vaccine specifically approved for over 65s that offers improved immune response, called Fluad Quad. Fluad Quad will be available for $40, and will need to be ordered in advance of appointment. Check out this website - https://www.influenza.org.nz/ - for more information about flu vaccines and options.

Funded vaccination for people of all ages with eligible chronic conditions will also be available again this year. Click on this link to see if you qualify; https://www.influenza.org.nz/eligibility-criteria.

If you are not eligible for a funded vaccine, you will be able to purchase one for $29. Children under the age of 9 years having a flu vaccine for the first time will need 2 doses for full immunity. This is only for the first year that they receive the flu vaccine.

As usual, we can protect ourselves from all viral illnesses through good hand hygiene and staying home when we are unwell.

If you are isolating due to COVID-19, it is a priority that you complete your isolation period and are symptom free before coming to the clinic to have your flu vaccine.

We will do our best to ensure that flu vaccines are available for everyone, and that no one isolating will miss out.

Getting a flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family against the effects of the flu: headaches, fever and aches and pains. The vaccine can also greatly reduce your risk of serious complications that can develop from the flu.

Being young, fit and healthy will not protect you from the flu. Influenza can be life-threatening, especially for the elderly, young children and people with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems.

Protect your loved ones, and our community.

How we can help

Influenza vaccination is provided FREE for those who need it most, including:

People aged 65 years and over, and people under 65 years of age who have a chronic health condition such as:

Cardiovascular disease
Respiratory disease
Diabetes
Kidney disease
Cancer
Immune suppression or deficiency
Pregnant women (any trimester)
Children aged 4 years and under who have a significant history of respiratory illness.

Book Appointment

Protect yourself and your family against the flu.

The influenza (flu) virus infects your nose, throat and lungs. The flu is normally worse than a cold. Some people get very sick – influenza causes deaths every year.

Symptoms of influenza come on suddenly and can include fever, chills, muscle aches, runny nose, cough and stomach upsets.

The flu spreads quickly from person to person through touch and through the air. While you’re unwell, stay away from work or school. Look after yourself and your family – rest and fluids are especially important.

More information

Older people, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from influenza, such as pneumonia. If you’re at higher risk, it is important to see your doctor early, to find out if you need treatment.

It is also important to seek medical advice early if you are concerned, and especially if there are any danger signs, even if you have been seen before. Other serious conditions can also look like the flu, including meningococcal disease.

Feel better sooner

At least 20% of people who catch the flu still turn up to work. Flu vaccination is one of the most effective ways a business can help protect itself from the costs of winter staff illness. Moorhouse Medical Centre has a dedicated team of authorised nurse vaccinators who can visit your workplace to vaccinate staff onsite. Your employees can also make appointments to come into Moorhouse Medical Centre. We offer discounts for groups of more than 10 employees.

You can book flu vaccinations for your workplace using our flu clinics online booking form.

Frequently asked questions

Is the seasonal influenza vaccine safe?

The technology to make influenza vaccines has been in use for 60 years, it has an excellent safety record.
How has the seasonal influenza vaccine been tested?

It has been trialled clinically.
Is it true that getting the influenza vaccination puts you at risk of getting influenza?

No. Influenza immunisation cannot cause influenza because the seasonal influenza vaccine contains no live viruses.
The last time I got vaccinated for seasonal influenza I came down with a cold/flu the next day. Was this caused by the vaccine?

No. The seasonal influenza vaccines have been made from influenza viruses that have been concentrated, inactivated and then broken apart. It cannot cause influenza as the vaccine does not contain any live viruses.

For more information about the Influenza Vaccine visit the Ministry of Health Website.