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Influenza (flu) is a common viral infection that affects people of all ages.

• While the flu may be a mild disease for some, it can also cause serious illness and even lead to hospitalisation in otherwise healthy people.
• Those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and cardiovascular disease are at higher risk of complications from a flu infection, which could result in hospitalisation.
• Annual flu vaccination also reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks, particularly in those with heart disease, and helps the elderly to maintain independent living.

Vaccination reduces the spread of illness to the most vulnerable in our whanāu and communities.

• The flu vaccine is recommended each year for everyone aged 6 months and over.
• Vaccination, administered annually by a healthcare provider, is the safest way to protect you and your whānau from influenza.
• Having your immunisation on time is important, as influenza can circulate in the community all year round.

The flu vaccine has been around for many decades and has a great safety record.

• This year’s vaccine gives you the best possible protection against the flu viruses likely to be circulating this season.
• As with any vaccine, you may experience some side effects. These may include mild soreness, redness or swelling where the vaccine was given or tiredness, headache, muscle aches chills or fever. Most are mild, do not last long and happen in the first few days of having the vaccine. The vaccinator will give you advice on how to manage these side effects. Serious side effects, such as a severe allergic reaction, are rare.
• The vaccine does not contain live influenza viruses and cannot cause influenza. Some people notice side effects after their vaccine as part of their immune system working and this can sometimes be confused with a flu infection

Influenza is a serious disease for pregnant people/hapū mamā and their pēpi.

• The flu vaccine is recommended and free for every pregnancy.
• It’s safe to give at any stage during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
• Vaccination in pregnancy is beneficial to both the mother and the baby.
• Vaccination enables the transfer of protective antibodies to the baby through the placenta. This protects them in their vulnerable early months when they are too young to be vaccinated themselves.
• Babies and children younger than 5 years old have a higher risk of complications from influenza, potentially leading to hospitalisation. Even healthy children can get very sick from influenza.

You should get your annual influenza vaccine anytime from April onwards to be protected for the peak flu season.

• The highest level of protection happens in the first few months following vaccination.
• If you are sick with a cough, runny nose or fever, it is still important to stay away from others, especially those who are most at risk, including pregnant people and newborn pēpi. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing and wash your hands.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding 

• Flu vaccination during pregnancy helps protect pregnant people/hapū māma and baby/pēpē, during the first few months of life.

• The flu vaccine is free for pregnant people and can be given at any stage of pregnancy.

• The flu can seriously harm your health and that of your unborn baby. Several flu-related complications can affect a baby’s development in the womb. Pregnant people who get the flu have higher rates of early birth, miscarriage, stillbirth and lower birth weight.

• Getting a flu vaccine when you are pregnant protects you and your baby so that when they are born, they have some protection against the flu for the first few months of life. Newborns and young infants are more likely to end up in hospital with the flu than older children, so the protection they receive from you in the womb could make all the difference.

• There is no increased risk of reactions to the vaccine for pregnant people or their unborn babies.

• If you are in your second or third trimester, you can get the flu vaccine and whooping cough booster vaccine at the same visit. Both immunisations are free for pregnant people.

• Keeping up to date with your immunisations (like Covid-19 and whooping cough) provides the best possible protection for you and your unborn baby.

• You can get a flu vaccine if you’re breastfeeding. By protecting yourself, you’re also protecting your baby.

• For more information about the benefits of the flu vaccine, talk to your midwife, Plunket or GP.

Children (tamariki) aged 6 months to 12 years old.

• Tamariki are at a higher risk of catching the flu and of passing it on to others, particularly other members of their whānau who may be older or have underlying health issues.

• Tamariki receiving their flu vaccine for the first time will receive two vaccines given at least four weeks apart.

• Most tamariki aged 9 years old and over need one vaccination each year to get good protection against flu.

• Flu vaccines can be given with other vaccines your child may be due for.

• If you have a child under 9 years old, talk to your healthcare provider as they may need one or two vaccinations depending on whether they’ve had a flu vaccine before.

• Children aged 6 months to 4 years old get a free flu vaccine if they have previously spent time in hospital due to respiratory illness.

People aged 65+ 

• As you get older, you’re at higher risk of catching flu and developing complications, even if you feel fit and healthy. That’s why it’s important to get your annual flu vaccination.

• The flu vaccine is free for all people aged 65 years old and over.
• Having a flu immunisation every year can keep older people healthy for longer.