Free seasonal influenza vaccine

Hawke’s Bay District Health Board’s public health nurses will be operating from a number of community clinics over the next two weeks, offering free seasonal influenza vaccines.

The Ministry of Health has extended the eligibility for free seasonal vaccine to all New Zealanders, not just those who have an underlying health problem.

Medical Officer of Health Nicholas Jones said the free vaccine would not protect against the Novel Influenza A H1N1 Swine Flu, but it would help protect against other influenza’s which were also circulating in the community.

“We are seeing a lot of seasonal flu in he community this year, and while there is no immunity in the population to Swine flu it will stop people getting a double whammy - seasonal flu and the Swine Flu,” Dr Jones said.

I would really encourage people to take up the offer of the free influenza vaccine – it will help reduce the number of people seeking treatment for seasonal illnesses and it will ease the burden on hospital services.

“Getting the flu can make you very sick and it can last for weeks, it will often mean you have to stay in bed and it carries the risk of severe complications or death, he said.

The public can also get the free vaccine from GP Clinics.

ENDS

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