Get ahead of flu and influenza season this year and protect yourself and your tamariki (children) by getting a flu vaccination.

The flu can have serious consequences, especially for the elderly and those with certain medical conditions or a compromised immune system. With flu vaccine immunisation, you can reduce your risk of flu contraction and minimize the severity of symptoms if you do get sick.

Not only does getting a flu vaccination protect you during flu season, it also helps protect the broader community by reducing the spread of the virus. When more people are vaccinated against the flu, there are fewer opportunities for the virus to spread, which can help prevent outbreaks and keep everyone healthier.

Many people avoid getting a flu vaccination because they fear side effects or believe that the vaccine can give them the flu. However, these concerns are largely unfounded. The influenza vaccine is safe and effective, and any side effects are typically mild and short-lived. It is also impossible to get the flu from the flu vaccine, as it does not contain live virus.

Getting a flu shot is quick, easy, and convenient. By taking a little bit of time out of your day to get vaccinated, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you are protected against the flu.

Don't wait until it's too late - schedule your effective flu vaccinations today and protect yourself and your loved ones from this respiratory illness.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Immunisation

We also offer whooping cough (pertussis) immunisation, which can be given at the same visit as your flu vaccination.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection. It can affect people of any age, but it is most serious for young babies. Immunisation is the most effective way to protect yourself and the people around you, and to help reduce the spread of the infection in our community.

The whooping cough vaccine is given as a booster. It is especially recommended for:

• Pregnant women — immunisation during pregnancy helps protect newborn babies in their first weeks of life, before they are old enough to be fully immunised themselves.
• Parents, grandparents, and others in close contact with a new baby.
• Adults who are due for a booster, as protection from an earlier immunisation reduces over time.

In New Zealand, whooping cough immunisation is funded for some people, including during pregnancy and for tamariki (children) on the National Immunisation Schedule. Please enquire in clinic to check whether you are eligible for a funded immunisation.

Booking your immunisation

To arrange whooping cough immunisation, book in with us or ask about it at your flu vaccination appointment. A consultation with our practitioner will allow us to confirm whether the immunisation is suitable for you and when your next booster is due.