WellSouth is continuing to make a commitment to its Maori and Pacific Island communities by offering the free flu vaccine to a larger demographic.

Nationally, any Māori or Pacific Islanders over the age of 64 were eligible for a free shot but for the second year in a row WellSouth has opened it up to those between 55 and 64 as well - about 1000 people in the South.

When Government funding for free flu vaccines for 55 – 64-year-olds ended in 2023, before winter, WellSouth decided to step in to ensure Māori and Pacific people aged 55 years and up in Otago and Southland were still

protected

Communications and engagement manager Frederique Gulcher said with some of its extra funding, WellSouth was able to open the criteria up further than what was offered nationally.

Public health officials have been reporting an early uptick in cases, including hospitalisations, which suggested that people may be at risk of getting sick earlier in the year.

People aged 65 and over or people who have long-term medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, or a heart condition and/or long-term mental health conditions were already eligible for a free vaccination.

WellSouth clinical director, Dr Carol Atmore, said WellSouth was proud to close that critical age gap.

“Māori and Pacific people experience a greater illness burden than NZ European people and often live in multi-generational households, with older family members often caring for young children. 

“This small service is one way to protect and support the whole whānau,” she said.

WellSouth had reached out to all of its Otago and Southland health kaupapa to make sure they were aware of the eligibility. 

Research from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research, or ESR, showed that in 2024, hospital-based influenza–associated severe acute respiratory illness admissions (SARI) in New Zealand were moderate. 

SARI hospitalisations were higher in both young children (0–4 years) and elderly (≥65) compared to other age groups; also higher in Pacific Peoples and Māori ethnic groups compared to other ethnic groups. 

The influenza-associated acute respiratory illness (ARI) disease burden was higher in children aged 0–19 years compared to other age groups. Influenza– associated ARI were higher in Pacific peoples and Māori ethnic groups

compared to Asians and Europeans ethnic groups.

April 24 to 30 is also World Immunisation Week. 

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