There may be higher rates of influenza in New Zealand this winter with borders reopening.

 Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ramon Pink said people who have been vaccinated against flu and double vaccinated or boosted against COVID-19 are at significantly lower risk of becoming seriously ill. 

 “We know that people might feel they’ve had a lot of vaccinations lately but please get the flu vaccination as it provides the best protection against influenza, especially if you’re one of the people at greater risk of serious illness if you get the flu.”

Free influenza vaccinations are available for those who meet these eligibility criteria: 

• pregnant women.

• people aged 65 years and older.

• Māori and Pacific peoples aged 55 to 64 years.

• people aged 6 months to under 65 years with eligible health conditions.

• Children aged 4 years or under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness (including measles) or have a history of significant respiratory illness.

Flu vaccinations are available from general practices and many pharmacies.

Dr Justin Fletcher, member of the Canterbury Health System’s Technical Advisory Group said you can get your flu vaccination any time.

 “There doesn’t need to be a gap after your COVID-19 booster or after you have recovered from COVID-19 – just as long as you are feeling well on the day of your flu