Flu Vaccinations in NZ at Medical Centres | The Doctors

The seasonal flu is very contagious and can spread before symptoms appear until several days after symptoms start. People are most contagious during the first 3-5 days of their illness. Flu germs spread easily through talking, coughing, and sneezing. The best way to protect you and your whānau is by getting a flu vaccine every year.

The Doctors flu vaccine clinics

Getting your flu vaccine with us is easy! All The Doctors medical centres have a Flu Clinic throughout the winter months. Simply select your nearest medical centre , and either book via our patient portal, or call the practice to book. Most of our practices will also be taking walk-in’s and offering flu vaccines when you’re coming in for a medical consultation.

Flu vaccine free for many people

Funded influenza vaccinations are available for those who meet the following criteria. Check to see if you are eligible.

Pregnant people
People aged 65 years and over
People under 65 years with long-term medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease
Children aged 4 years and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness
People under 65 years with serious mental health and addiction conditions

You can still get the flu vaccine if you’re not eligible for a funded one

Anyone can get the flu vaccine if they’re 6 months and over. If you don’t fit the eligibility for the funded vaccine, you can still get the flu vaccine with us for a small fee. Speak to your nearest medical centre to find out more.

How long does it take to get the flu vaccine?

Getting the flu vaccine is an easy process. Before the vaccination, it’s important to read the Flu Vaccine Consent Form and you’ll be asked for your consent. Your vaccinator will determine whether verbal or signed consent is required.

Receiving the vaccine can be done in minutes. You’ll need to wait for 5-15 minutes afterwards, depending on your vaccination history, to ensure no severe side effects occur. If you’ve had previous allergies to the vaccine, you may be asked to stay longer. You may experience some side effects after the vaccine, such as swelling and pain at the injection site. Tiredness, headache, muscle aches, chills, and/or fever can all be common.

Oder man getting vaccinated by female nurse

Best time to receive the flu vaccine

According to the Immunisation Advisory Centre, the best time to get the flu vaccine is mid to late April. This will support your immunity during the peak flu season from late July to August.

Flu protection starts 2 weeks post-vaccine

It takes up to 2 weeks after having your flu vaccine for your body to start protecting against the flu.

Who should get the flu vaccine?

We recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone over 6 months old to stay protected during peak flu season. If most people get the flu vaccine, it creates herd immunity and helps protect vulnerable people in our community.

Who should not get the flu vaccine?

Most people can have a flu vaccine, however, people who have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any ingredient in the vaccine or to a previous dose of the flu vaccine should not receive the vaccine. The flu vaccine CAN be given to people with egg allergy or egg anaphylaxis. If you are unwell, you should wait until you are recovered before getting the flu vaccine.

Why a new flu vaccination every year?

The flu (influenza) virus changes every season, requiring the vaccine to be updated annually to provide the best protection. Even if you're generally fit and healthy, the flu can still hit you hard and spread to vulnerable people, such as children, older adults, pregnant people, or those with weakened immune systems.

Team and workplace vaccination program

The Doctors’ workplace flu vaccination program offers a simple and effective solution for businesses looking to protect their staff and ensure a healthier, more productive work environment over the winter months.

We provide flexible options, including on-site flu vaccinations at your workplace or vouchers for employees to visit our clinics. To learn more, please contact your closest medical centre to find out more.