Seasonal influenza immunisation free for all NZers

MEDIA RELEASE 13 July 2009

Seasonal influenza immunisation free for all New Zealanders

The seasonal influenza immunisation has now been made available free for all New Zealanders until the end of September 2009.

Toi Te Ora Public Health Service is encouraging anyone who has not yet been immunised this year with the influenza vaccine to contact their General Practice and arrange an appointment to have the free seasonal ‘flu immunisation.

“Immunisation will give you the best protection from common influenza viruses circulating this season. It will not offer protection from swine flu (Influenza A (H1N1), however other influenza viruses can be just as serious.” says Medical Officer of Health, Dr Phil Shoemack.

The Ministry of Health has purchased an extra 125,000 doses of the seasonal influenza vaccine, and has made this available free to all New Zealanders to reduce the impact of the current Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic.

Influenza can be a serious illness that comes on suddenly with a fever or chills, sore throat, dry cough, headaches, fatigue, body aches and pains. It can leave people ill for several days and can upset the usual routines of work and school.

• Immunisation helps improve your body's defence against influenza.
• Being fit and healthy will not protect you from contracting influenza.
• The influenza vaccine can never give you influenza.
• Influenza is not the same as having a bad cold. It can kill.
• Influenza immunisation is FREE for all New Zealanders until the end of September.

More information and advice on how to protect yourself and your family this winter against seasonal and pandemic influenza is available on the Toi Te Ora Public Health Service website - www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz

ENDS

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