Pharmacies offer flu shots
This influenza (flu) season twelve
pharmacies in Tauranga and other
parts of the Western Bay of Plenty
are offering free flu shots for those
65 plus and pregnant women.
The move follows changes to
Pharmac’s Pharmaceutical Schedule.
From 1 April until 31 December
Pharmacists who meet immunisation
and quality standards set by the Ministry
of Health will be able to offer the flu
vaccination to these groups.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman
says “More than one million New
Pharmacist Garth Mitchinson prepares Bonnie Roger
for her flu shot at Life Pharmacy in the city centre.
Zealanders get immunised against
influenza each year.”
“A recent New Zealand study showed
that most people infected with
influenza in 2015 didn’t experience any
symptoms, but could still have spread
the virus without realising it.
“By being immunised, we not only
protect ourselves, but we help to ensure
we don’t pass on influenza to our
families, friends and colleagues.”
This year the influenza vaccine has one
new strain to ensure New Zealanders
are better protected this winter from the
strains of influenza circulating around
the world.
Pharmacies offering
free flu shots
John’s Photo Pharmacy
Unichem Brookfield Pharmacy
Unichem Mount Dispensary
Unichem Cherrywood & Otumoetai
Unichem Excelsa Pharmacy
Unichem Metro Pharmacy Bethlehem
Unichem Greerton Pharmacy
Unichem Faulkners Pharmacy
My Pharmacy Papamoa Plaza
Life Pharmacy Bayfair
Life Pharmacy Tauranga
Life Pharmacy Te Puke
Kaumātua – Get your flu shot
Every year Charlie Tawhiao (Ngāi Te Rangi)
makes a point of getting his flu vaccination.
“People my age are often reluctant to have injections. As
kids they were big needles so we grew up with this phobia, but
it’s really not that bad.”
As Charlie, is in the 65+ category, the annual vaccination is
free.
Western Bay of Plenty PHO Health Promotion Co-ordinator
Tiana Bennett together with Immunisation Co-ordinator Diane
Newland have been going to local hui, encouraging people like
Charlie to get immunised.
“We’ve had a good response. People are keen to get their flu
jab,” says Diane Newland.
Research shows that you can infect others with the flu virus
even when you’re not showing symptoms yourself. So, by being
immunised, you can help avoid passing the virus on to others
close to you.
“Maori men have a tendency to think they are bullet proof
and we think we are still young,” says Charlie Tawhiao.
Charlie says taking all health precautions is really important
especially when you get older. It’s part of looking after
yourself and your whānau.
Influenza vaccination is FREE for people who are
most at risk until the end of December.
Flu vaccinations are free from a doctor or nurse if you’re in one of these groups:
• Anyone aged 65 years or over
• P
regnant women (any stage of pregnancy)
• P
eople under 65 years of
age (including children) with
long-term health conditions
such as heart disease,
stroke, diabetes, respiratory
disease (including asthma
that requires regular
preventive therapy), kidney
disease and most cancers
• C
hildren aged four and
under who have been
hospitalised for respiratory
illness or have a history
of significant respiratory
illness.
Even if you don’t qualify for
free vaccination from a doctor
or nurse, you may still be
able to get one free from your
employer. Flu shots are also
available for anyone for a fee
from a doctor, nurse or some
pharmacies.
The influenza vaccine is a
prescription medicine. Talk to
your doctor or nurse about the
benefits and possible risks.
Check out www.fightflu.co.nz
to find out whether you qualify
for free flu vaccination or call
0800 IMMUNE 0800 466 863.
Diane Newland (Western Bay of Plenty PHO) gives
Charlie Tawhiao his flu shot at Moana Radio.
You could come in
contact with influenza
anywhere at anytiime.
Get immunised today - it
may even be FREE!