Update

Bookings for this season’s FUNDED flu vaccine are now available

Influenza (flu) is a widespread viral infection that can affect individuals of all ages. For some, it may be a mild illness, but for others, it can result in severe complications and even require hospitalisation, including in otherwise healthy individuals.

Our flu vaccine clinics start on Tuesday 1 April 2025 

If you are on MyIndici patient portal please click on Book Appointment and change from My Provider to Other Providers, then select Flu Clinic. Scroll through to April to find and book an appointment. This is for adults only (12 years and older). Children need to be booked into a nurse appointment. If you are not on MyIndici please call the us on 04 293 6005 to book.

Eligibility for funded vaccines are:

1. All people 65 years of age and over; or
2. People under 65 years of age who:
   • Have any of the following cardiovascular diseases:
     • Ischaemic heart disease
     • Congestive heart failure
     • Rheumatic heart disease
     • Congenital heart disease
     • Cerebrovascular disease
   • Have either of the following chronic respiratory diseases:
     • Asthma (if on a regular preventative therapy)
     • Other chronic respiratory disease with impaired lung function
   • Have diabetes
   • Have chronic renal disease
   • Have any cancer (excluding basal and squamous skin cancers if not invasive)
   • Have any of the following other conditions:
     • Autoimmune disease
     • Immune suppression or immune deficiency
     • HIV
     • Transplant recipient
     • Neuromuscular and CNS diseases/disorders
     • Haemoglobinopathies
     • Children on long-term aspirin
     • Cochlear implant
     • Errors of metabolism at risk of major metabolic decompensation
     • Pre- and post-splenectomy
     • Down syndrome
   • Are pregnant (any trimester)
3. Children 4 years of age and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness
4. People under 65 years of age who:
   • Have any of the following serious mental health conditions:
     • Schizophrenia
     • Major depressive disorder
     • Bipolar disorder
     • Schizoaffective disorder
   • Are currently accessing secondary or tertiary mental health and addiction services.

Note: For eligible tamariki who require two doses of the vaccine, both doses are funded.

Unless meeting the criteria set out above, the following conditions are excluded from funding:

• Asthma not requiring regular preventative therapy
• Hypertension and/or dyslipidaemia without evidence of end-organ disease

Additional Information:

• Flu clinic bookings are for 12 years and older. Younger patients should book a planned appointment with a nurse.
• If you would like both the COVID and flu vaccines, book a planned appointment with a nurse.
• Later appointments are available on Tuesdays until 6:30 pm.
• Please contact us prior to your appointment if you would like to be immunised in your vehicle (e.g., if you have mobility difficulties).
• If you are not eligible to receive a funded vaccine, the cost is $40.

Strains

The influenza viruses in circulation can change, and as a result, the strains included in the vaccine typically vary each year to match the evolving virus patterns. For 2025, the egg-based and cell culture vaccines in the Southern Hemisphere will feature different strains, as recommended by the World Health Organization. These are A/Victoria, A/Croatia, B/Austria, B/Phuket.

Unfunded Flu vaccine available – Fluad Quad

This vaccine is specifically designed for persons over 65 years.

The adjuvant, MF59, improves the immune response to the vaccine.

In clinical trials of people aged 65 years and older, the antibody response to Fluad Quad was increased when compared to non-adjuvanted inactivated influenza vaccines.

In lay terms, Fluad quad is believed to have better efficacy (a better immune response) for persons over 65 years.

This is unfunded. The cost is $50.00

Please let your nurse know if you would prefer this vaccine

March Events

Join us at the Impact Hub (registration required) to learn how brain health is impacted by hearing