Can I get a FREE Flu Vaccine?

Influenza is a serious illness

Influenza spreads very easily and up to 1 in 5 of us come in contact with influenza every year.

At its worst, influenza can put you in hospital and can even be fatal. In many cases, influenza can keep you in bed for a week or two, and drain your energy keeping you from work, sport or just about anything that requires leaving the house.

For adults and children with long-term health conditions, pregnant women and people aged 65 years and older, influenza can be an especially serious illness. For this reason the influenza immunisation is provided FREE to these groups.

FREE for many people

Don’t take the risk! Call your local general practice or medical clinic to arrange a FREE vaccination if you are in any of the following groups:

• are pregnant (Pregnant Women, Influenza and Influenza Vaccination – Frequently Asked Questions)
• regularly use an asthma preventer
• have diabetes
• have heart disease
• have kidney problems
• have cancer
• have a serious medical condition
• are aged 65 years or over
• or a child under the age of five years who has been hospitalised for a respiratory illness, or has a history of significant respiratory illness

If you do not have one of these eligible conditions, you still benefit from an influenza immunisation available, at a small cost.

FREE Flu vaccine for Cantabrians under 18 years of age

The Canterbury District Health Board will provide free flu vaccines for all children and young people aged under 18 years living in the Canterbury region again this year. Contact your GP for further information.

Who should I talk to if I have any questions about influenza or any other vaccine?

If you have any questions about the immunisation that are specific to your medical condition, you should ask your healthcare professional or phone 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863) Immunisation Advisory Centre. You can also read our 2013 Flu Brochure.  Also available HPA 2013 Flucold flyer

Please note: There are a small number of people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a doctor; such as those who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccine previously, those who have a severe allergy (anaphylaxis) to chicken eggs or people with a known reaction to neomycin, polymyxin and gentamicin.