New Zealand's largest provider of services to support the well-being of children under 5 is encouraging New Zealanders to take up the Government's offer of free influenza vaccinations.
"New Zealanders tend to underestimate what a serious disease influenza is," says Plunket clinical adviser Marianne Grant.
"It kills around 400 New Zealanders, directly or indirectly, each year - so it's not something we should take lightly. Last year it put more than 1000 people in hospital.
"Young children and pregnant women are among those at higher risk of developing serious complications from influenza.
"We strongly advise expectant mums to get the free vaccination. Babies under 6 months old are too young to be immunised so if their mums are vaccinated they can pass protection on to their baby."
The free flu vaccine is available until the end of July. Visit www.fightflu.co.nz or www.health.govt.nz or call 0800 IMMUNE 0800 466 863.