Flu Vaccines 2018

Posted by on 2 March 2018

Flu vaccines will be available in early to mid April this year. When we know the exact date of arrival, this message will be updated.  You may also self select the appointment slots and book online with us this year !

In 2018, for the first time, the government has chosen to fund the Quadrivalent flu vaccine which offers broader protection against 4 strains of the flu virus — 2x A strains and 2x B strains. Previously the government has funded the Trivalent vaccine.The 2018 Quadivalent flu vaccine includes protection against the following strains:

• A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
• A/Singapore/INFIMH-16-0019/2016(H3N2)-like virus
• B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus
• B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus

For more information about the flu vaccination and who is eligible for a FREE flu vaccine, click on this link. https://www.fightflu.co.nz

Please note that the vaccine is NOT funded for:

– Asthma not requiring regular preventer therapy

– Hypertension and/or dyslipidemia with no evidence of end organ disease.

Facts about the Flu:

• The 1918 Influenza Pandemic (Spanish Flu) infected 500 million people worldwide and killed between 50 and 100 million people, more than twice that of World War I.
• 8,600 New Zealanders died from the Spanish Flu, in some towns up to 80% of the population was wiped out. Poor planning and intervention contributed to the pandemic in New Zealand.
• Influenza (commonly known as the flu) is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. When someone who has the flu sneezes, coughs, or even talks, the flu virus is expelled into the air and may be inhaled by anyone close by. It can also be spread by touch.
• The flu can include any or all of these symptoms: fever, muscle aches, headaches, lack of energy, dry cough, sore throat and a runny nose.
• The flu virus can leave you bed ridden. Even if you are fit and healthy you are still at risk of getting the flu.
• The flu is contagious. If you are infected with the flu, you are contagious from a day before you feel sick until your symptoms have resolved (usually about 1 week for adults, but can be up to 2 weeks for children).
• The best way to avoid the flu is to have an annual vaccination, maintain optimal health and practice good personal hygiene.
• 1 in 4 New Zealanders are infected with the flu each year, but 80% of those show no symptoms and can pass their flu onto others who may become seriously ill.
• Complications of the flu can include illnesses like pneumonia, sinus infection, or worsening of other illnesses like asthma or heart failure. Worsening of flu complications can lead to death.
• The flu mutates very quickly and frequently, which is why the flu virus is different every year. This is why it is recommended to get the flu vaccine annually.

Facts about the Vaccine:

• The flu vaccination does not protect you from the common cold, only against the strains of the flu covered in the vaccine.
• It is best to be vaccinated early in the season as it can take up to two weeks following the vaccination for the body to build antibodies.
• Protection from the flu vaccination will last for at least the flu season, and up to one year. Each year the flu virus is different so just because you had the vaccine last year doesn’t make you immune — they keep changing. The vaccines are made each year based on the most common flu circulating.
• You cannot get influenza from the vaccine. The vaccine stimulates the immune system and contains protection against circulating flu viruses. Some people may coincidentally get sick around the time of their vaccination. The vaccine is purified and inactivated so it is absolutely unable to give you the flu. People who are vaccinated who get the flu likely came into contact with the virus prior to vaccination, or before the vaccine has been able to take effect.

 Get immunised to stop the spread of influenza in your community and workplace.

Handwashing is an effective and important way of reducing the spread of influenza.