Health clinics and other health service providers in Central Otago have received a share of the 1.8 million influenza vaccines distributed nationwide by the Ministry of Health.

The flu can be severe for people with weakened immunity, and around 500 New Zealanders die from the flu virus annually. 

The flu vaccine reduces the likelihood of ending up in the hospital if vulnerable people contract it this winter.

The vaccine is free for people aged 65 years and over, Māori and Pacific people aged 55 years and over, pregnant women, people with long-term conditions, children aged six months to 12 years, and people with mental health and addiction issues. 

An additional Covid-19 bivalent booster has also been made available, meaning many people will be able to get their flu and Covid booster shots at the same time. 

Everyone aged 30 and over can access the booster as long as it’s been at least six months since their last Covid-19 booster or positive Covid-19 test.

People at higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19 will also be able to receive an additional booster, regardless of how many doses they’ve previously had.

“Vaccination against flu is safe and will be a first line of defence against severe illness this winter,” health minister Ayesha Verrall said.

“For many of us, our social lives are now back to what they were pre-Covid so it’s really important to get immunised to help slow the peak of flu season and protect ourselves and our communities,” she added. 

Book your flu and Covid-19 vaccines here, or call Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 or contact your GP, pharmacy or healthcare provider.