The Northern Region Health Coordination Centre (NRHCC) has partnered with Māori and Pasifika health providers to offer free flu vaccines at a number of Covid-19 vaccination sites.
The sites include: Ōtara, Manurewa Marae, Pukekohe, Takanini, Pasifika Family Health Services (pop-up events) and NRHCC outreach services.
The mainstay of the flu vaccine campaign will remain with GPs and pharmacies around the Northern region, as well as those non-eligible people who can opt to pay for a vaccine.
Over 340,000 people in Tāmaki Makaurau are eligible to receive the flu jab for free. It includes people aged 65 and over, Māori and Pacific aged 55 and over, pregnant women, people with underlying health issues, including asthma, diabetes and heart conditions, and children aged under 4 who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness.
NRHCC Chief Clinical Officer Vaccinations, Dr Anthony Jordan, says there is increased concern of a widespread flu outbreak across Aotearoa this winter with the border reopening.
Dr Jordan also says they are still seeing thousands of COVID cases a day across the country and expect this to continue into the winter months when flu is also expected to be present.
He encourages the public to continue public health measures, “mask-wearing and staying home when sick, combined with vaccination, will help to minimise the risk of overwhelming the health system this winter.
“It’s more important than ever to prioritise getting the flu vaccine this year…you can ask your employer when they are providing these. Everyone else will need to discuss vaccination options with their GP or local pharmacist.”
Please visit www.vaccinateforauckland.co.nz for updates.
