Time is running out for free influenza vaccine

26/05/2009 | Free flu vaccine ends June 30

MidCentral DHB and the Manawatu Primary Health Organisation are urging those yet to take advantage of the free influenza vaccine to do so in the next six weeks.

Over half of the district’s over 65 year olds have heeded health experts’ warnings about the severity of this year’s influenza strain and received immunisation to protect themselves. However there are still a number of people yet to make use of the available vaccine.

“Influenza can lead to serious complications for people whose immune systems are already compromised and annual immunisation is their best protection,” says Nicky Hart, manager of the Manawatu Primary Health Organisation.

“We’ve already seen 54 percent of people over 65 immunised against influenza which is really great. However, there are still a number of vulnerable people at risk of contracting this potentially life-threatening virus,” says Ms Hart.

“Influenza is not the same as a bad cold, it can lead to serious complications, even death,” says Dr Mark Beale, clinical director of internal medicine at MidCentral Health. “It doesn’t matter whether you are fit and healthy or if you had a vaccine last year. The viruses continue to mutate and you need to get annual protection from it.”

Influenza immunisation is free for anyone at high risk of complications. This includes people aged 65 and over, and anyone under 65 years of age with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease (including asthma), kidney disease and most cancers.

Experts predicted this year’s strain of influenza to be particularly serious, as the past few have
been mild.  This year’s influenza vaccine offers protection against a Brisbane H3N2-like strain, a
Brisbane H1N1-like strain and a B strain.  It does not provide immunity against swine influenza.

Those eligible have until June 30 to get the free immunisation from their general practice team.

For more information please contact:
Caroline Rowe
Communications Advisor – Funding Division
MidCentral DHB
021 162 0274