Getting your flu vaccine is one of the best things you can do to help stay well through the flu season. Flu can be anywhere and is easily spread through talking, coughing and sneezing. Your best protection from the flu is getting the vaccine.
Book your flu vaccination through the patient portal used by your practice or use this form to request an appointment:
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You don't have to be enrolled with us, but the price may be lower if you are. Workplaces can book their teams in to get vaccinated too (more on this below).
Get your flu vaccine with us and get 15% off your purchase at lifepharmacy.co.nz. Terms and Conditions: Apply code DOCTOR15 at cart to get 15% off your order on lifepharmacy.co.nz. Offer is not valid in store and is only valid online from Monday 17 April to 11:59pm Wednesday 17 May. Offer is not available in conjunction with any other offer. Offer is only available to customers shopping for personal use. Offer does not apply to any bulk purchases or persons shopping on behalf for resale, trade, or other purposes. No minimum order required. Only redeemable once.
The vaccine is FREE for all children aged 6 months up to and including 12 years old, pregnant women, and lots of other people too. Click here to see if you qualify for a FREE flu vaccine.
Did you know that you can get your flu vaccine at the same time as your COVID-19 booster? As of April 1st, more people are eligible for a free COVID-19 booster. Ask whether a COVID-19 vaccine is also recommended and available when booking your flu vaccine.
Giving consent for the flu vaccination
Before the vaccination you'll be asked to read the What You Need to Know About the Flu Vaccination Factsheet 2023 and you will be asked if you consent to the vaccination.
Your vaccinator will determine whether verbal consent or signed consent is required. You may wish to view the 2023 Flu Vaccine Consent Form in advance.
Team and workplace vaccinations
Protecting your team at work from flu is easy! Use the form above to request team vaccinations or give your nearest centre a call to book them in. We can come to your workplace at a designated date or give you vouchers your staff can use to come to our clinic. Take a look at the info sheet and booking form and give us a call:
Why flu vaccination is important every year
The flu (influenza) can make you very sick and is not the same as a common cold. Children can also become very unwell with the flu. If you get the flu, you could also spread it to vulnerable people including pregnant women, babies (especially those under 6 months who are too young for the vaccine), elderly people, and those with health conditions.
The flu virus changes often which means that the vaccine must be tweaked each year to match the new strains. This is why for your best protection, it is so important to get a flu vaccine every year.
Available flu vaccines this year
There are 2 fully funded flu vaccines for patients:
- Afluria Quad: for all patients aged 3 years and older.
- Afluria Quad Junior: for infants and toddlers ages 6- 35 months
These are FREE for anyone meeting the following eligibility criteria (if you are unsure, talk to your doctor):
- Children aged 6 months to 12 years
- People aged 65 years or older
- Pregnant women (any trimester)
- Māori and Pacific people aged 55 years and over
- People who have a long-term medical condition like diabetes, asthma, or a heart condition (ages 6 months+)
- People with serious mental health or addiction needs
Anyone aged 6 months and over who does not meet the eligibility criteria for a free flu vaccine is able to pay to have a flu vaccine.
Fluad Quad is a third vaccine available for patients aged 65 years or older only. This is an unfunded vaccine option for patients who wish to receive, so there will be a cost which will vary between practices. Not all medical centres will carry Fluad Quad, so please ask when booking your appointment if you want to request this vaccine. Fluad Quad is an adjuvanted vaccine. Some studies have found that adding an MF59® adjuvant to the influenza vaccine enhances the antibody response. More info about this vaccine option can be found here.
Reporting vaccine side effects
Like most medications, vaccines can sometimes cause reactions. These are usually mild, and not everyone will get them. Mild reactions are normal and show that your immune system is responding to the vaccine. Serious side effects are rare. If you have any questions or concerns please contact your nurse or doctor.
Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand is running an anonymous Flu Post Vaccine Survey that asks about side effects and your vaccine experience. To register, scan the QR code. You will be texted a link to the survey.
FAQs
1. Who can get the flu vaccine? The flu vaccine is available for children aged 6 months and over and adults. While a flu vaccine is recommended for all people, some people who are most likely to get very sick from the flu are able to get a FREE flu vaccine:
- Children aged 6 months to 12 years
- People aged 65 years or older
- Pregnant women (any trimester)
- Māori and Pacific people aged 55 years and over
- People who have a long-term medical condition like diabetes, asthma, or a heart condition (ages 6 months+)
- People with serious mental health or addiction needs
2. Who should not receive 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 and well to have the flu vaccine.
3. I’ve had the COVID vaccine, do I also need the flu vaccine? The COVID-19 vaccine does NOT protect against the influenza (flu) virus. The flu vaccine is recommended for all people aged 6 months and older and some people who are most likely to get very sick from the flu are able to get a FREE flu vaccine. You can get the flu vaccine at any time, including before, after, or at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.
4. I’ve had COVID-19 infection, should I get the flu vaccine and when can I get it? The flu vaccine is recommended for all people aged 6 months and older and some people who are most likely to get very sick from the flu are able to get a FREE flu vaccine. You can get the flu vaccine once you have recovered from your COVID-19 infection and are feeling well. Previous COVID-19 infection will NOT provide protection against the influenza (flu) virus.
5. Can I get the COVID vaccine/ booster at the same time as the flu vaccine? Yes! There is no gap required between when you get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine. They can be given at the same time or you can get a flu vaccine any time before or after you get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster.
More information