Flu vaccination

Getting a flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family against the effects of the flu: headaches, fever and aches and pains. The vaccine can also greatly reduce your risk of serious complications that can develop from the flu. Being young, fit and healthy will not protect you from the flu. Influenza can be life-threatening, especially for the elderly, young children and people with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems.

Protect your loved ones, and our community. We are pleased to be able to offer the Flu Vaccine to protect all members of our community.

The Flu Vaccination is only available seasonally. Contact our team for more information

Influenza vaccination is provided FREE for those who need it most, including: People aged 65 and over, Māori and Pacific peoples over 55, and children aged 6 months to 12 years

People under 65 years of age who have a chronic health condition such as:

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Respiratory disease
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Cancer
  • Immune suppression or deficiency
  • Pregnant women (any trimester)

How can we help your family?

Whether you're about to start your family or you've just moved into the district we have a wide range of convenient services.

Protect yourself and your family against the flu. 

The influenza (flu) virus infects your nose, throat and lungs. The flu is normally worse than a cold. Some people get very sick – influenza causes deaths every year. 


Symptoms of influenza come on suddenly and can include fever, chills, muscle aches, runny nose, cough and stomach upsets.


The flu spreads quickly from person to person through touch and through the air. While you’re unwell, stay away from work or school. Look after yourself and your family – rest and fluids are especially important.


Older people, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from influenza, such as pneumonia. If you’re at higher risk, it is important to see your doctor early, to find out if you need treatment.


It is also important to seek medical advice early if you are concerned, and especially if there are any danger signs, even if you have been seen before. Other serious conditions can also look like the flu, including meningococcal disease.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is the seasonal influenza vaccine safe?

    The technology to make influenza vaccines has been in use for 60 years, it has an excellent safety record.

  • How has the seasonal influenza vaccine been tested?

    It has been trialled clinically. 

  • Is it true that getting the influenza vaccination puts you at risk of getting influenza?

    No. Influenza immunisation cannot cause influenza because the seasonal influenza vaccine contains no live viruses. 

  • The last time I got vaccinated for seasonal influenza I came down with a cold/flu the next day. Was this caused by the vaccine?

    No. The seasonal influenza vaccines have been made from influenza viruses that have been concentrated, inactivated and then broken apart. It cannot cause influenza as the vaccine does not contain any live viruses. 

For more information about the Influenza Vaccine visit the Ministry of Health Website

If you are 65-79 years old, you might consider the Shingles vaccine

Having the vaccine reduces your risk of getting shingles


Want more information? The Fight Flu website is a great national resource. Click here.