Who is NISG?

National Influenza Specialist Group (NISG)
NISG is a not-for-profit group of expert Kiwi doctors and nurses, whose aim is to promote the benefits of immunisation for those most at risk.

NISG was formed in 2000 to help District Health Boards and the Ministry of Health to meet the national influenza immunisation target.  It aims to increase public awareness of influenza, its seriousness and the importance of immunisation to prevent the disease.

The current members of National Influenza Specialist Group (NISG) are:

• Michelle Kapinga - Chair
• Dr Cheryl Brunton, Medical Officer of Health, Community & Public Health
• Dr Gregory Simmons, Medical Officer of Health, Taranaki District Health Board
• Dr Jenny Visser, Royal NZ College of General Practitioners
• Dr Lance Jennings, Virologist, Canterbury District Health Board
• Brenda Saunders, Public Relations/Media
• Cory Vessey, Ministry of Health 
• Erin Gillette, Support Co-ordinator 
• Georgina Gymer, Northern Regional Immunisation Advisor, Immunisation Advisory Centre
• Renee Newman, Primary Health Care Nurse & Primary Health Organisation Representative 
• Vaccine supplier representatives: 
                       Joanna Hayward – Product Manager – Vaccines, CSL (NZ) Ltd 
                       David Smith – Product Manager – GlaxoSmithKline 

Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC)
IMAC is a nationwide organisation based at the University of Auckland, Tamaki Campus.

IMAC’s aim is to provide New Zealanders with a local source of independent, factual information including benefits and risks regarding immunisation and vaccine preventable diseases. The information they provide is based on international and New Zealand research and is supported by a large network of health professionals.

IMAC provides a variety of products and services for consumers, health professionals, government agencies and the media to improve the understanding and quality of immunisation in New Zealand

IMAC is contracted to co-ordinate a national influenza promotional campaign. For more information on IMAC, visit www.immune.org.nz or phone 0800 IMMUNE (466 863).