Influenza

The flu (influenza) is a virus that spreads quickly between people. Flu causes symptoms like a fever, runny nose, cough or upset stomach. There can be different types or strains of flu that can make you sick each year. 

The influenza vaccine is available from 1 April each year. 

Those at a higher risk for flu complications are eligible for FREE influenza immunisation, that includes: 

• pregnant people

• people aged 65 years and over

• people aged 6 months to under 65 years with eligible conditions*

• children 4 years of age and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness

• people aged 6 months to under 65 years with serious mental health and addiction conditions*

* For more details on eligibility click here.

For further information, contact your GP/local doctor or click here.

If you do not have one of these eligible conditions, you still benefit from an influenza immunisation available at a small cost. 

Influenza vaccination in pregnancy

Some diseases are riskier while you are pregnant. You can protect yourself and your pēpi (baby) while you are pregnant by getting three free vaccines - Whooping cough vaccine (Boostrix), Flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine.

While the vaccines do not affect your pēpi, you will naturally pass on some of your immunity. This means when they are born, they will have some protection until they are old enough to be immunised themselves. This is especially important for whooping cough.

Pregnancy and immunisations - Health Information and Services

For further information, see:

• Ministry of Health
• Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC)