Ground floor, Ilam Health Building, 110 Memorial Avenue, Burnside, Christchurch : Ph 03 351 6198 :

March 23rd, 2023

Flu / Covid Update 2023

Flu Appointments

Appointments are now available for Flu Vaccinations from 4 April 2023.
Bookings can be made over the phone now or,
via the Indici patient portal after 4 April.

 

Why is the influenza vaccination important this year?

This year, as COVID-19 restrictions have eased and borders are open, it can be expected that a resurgence of respiratory viruses will follow, including influenza. During COVID-19 outbreaks, influenza vaccination is important, as the co-circulation of both diseases leads to an increased risk of serious illness if both viruses are caught whilst unvaccinated.

 

Eligibility:

The influenza vaccine is recommended and funded for people who meet the eligibility criteria, as set by PHARMAC. This includes

– All children (tamariki) aged 6 months – 12 years old

– Pregnant people

– People aged 65 years and older

– People aged from 13 years to under 65 years with eligible conditions

– Māori and Pacific peoples aged 55 to 64 years

For a full list of eligible conditions, please refer to www.influenza.org.nz, or view the PHARMAC website: https://schedule.pharmac.govt.nz/ScheduleOnline.php

 

The Vaccines Available This Year:

Age Vaccine Dose Number of doses Cost per dose
(If not eligible for a funded vaccine)
6-35 months Afluria Quad Junior 0.25mL 1 or 2*  

 

N/A
(This is funded for all in this age group).
3 – 12 years Afluria Quad 0.5mL 1 or 2*  

 

N/A
(This is funded for all in this age group).
 

13-64 years

  

Afluria Quad

  

0.5mL

  

1 or 2*

  

$24

 
≥ 65 years Afluria Quad
(Funded option)		 0.5mL 1 N/A
(This is funded for all in this age group).
Fluad Quad
(Non-funded option)**		 0.5mL 1 $40.00

 

 

*Tamariki aged 6 months to under 9 years who are receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time should receive two doses, at least 4 weeks apart.

**Fluad Quad is available for purchase for those aged ≥ 65 years.
As we age, our immune system becomes less effective. This vaccine is designed to promote a stronger immune response, and so is potentially more effective for people in this age group.

 

COVID-19 and the Influenza Vaccination

It is safe to have the Influenza vaccination at the same time as all COVID-19 vaccinations, except Novavax. Please refer to the listed websites for information, or call to discuss any concerns or queries with a nurse before booking your appointment.

If you have had COVID-19, and are no longer isolating, there is no stand-down period required before having your influenza vaccination.

For more information, please refer to the following website: https://www.influenza.org.nz/sites/default/files/IMAC_Flu_Kit_2022_29-03-2022.pdf

Covid19  Boosters

Appointments for Covid Booster will be available from mid April.
More information to follow in a later post.