Free flu vaccine proves a big hit

By SCOTT KARA

A scheme offering free flu jabs to elderly Pacific Islanders has had a huge response in its first week.

The campaign to keep Pacific Island people safe from the flu began in Otara this week and will run at South Auckland churches for the next two months.

South Seas Healthcare, an Otara-based health provider for Pacific people, has won a contract with the Health Funding Authority to go around churches giving free vaccinations to over-65s and those suffering from asthma or diabetes.

So far, more than 300 people have taken advantage of free flu jabs.

The demand has been so great that churches are now ringing South Seas Healthcare to request the service.

This weekend the clinic will visit one church on Saturday and three on Sunday.

Islanders are vulnerable to colds and flu because of overcrowding, poor housing and a proneness to other diseases.

Pacific Island Affairs Minister Mark Gosche said the vaccination drive would help families to look after and protect their parents and grandparents from avoidable illnesses.

"For many Kiwis the flu is merely a seasonal illness, but for many Pacific families it has serious health implications."

He said medical evidence from South Auckland showed that vaccinating elderly Pacific Islanders against influenza more than halved the rate of hospitalisation and reduced deaths by nearly 70 per cent.

South Seas Healthcare hopes to vaccinate around 1500 people during the campaign.

The vaccinations are free to anyone who is already sick or over 65, and $5 for everyone else.