Late winter a window for flu jabs

The seasonal flu vaccine programme has been extended to the end of August because a mild start to winter means winter flu rates are still rising.

Wairarapa residents are being advised to get a flu vaccine in the next month, with working-age adults potentially most at risk of contracting a nasty bout of aches and pains.

The seasonal flu vaccine programme has been extended to the end of August because a mild start to winter means winter flu rates are still rising.

Ministry of Health figures show more than 11,360 flu vaccines have been distributed in Wairarapa this year, with 1.19 million being distributed nationwide since the programme launched on March 11.

Southend Unichem Pharmacy is the only pharmacy in the Wairarapa offering vaccinations.

Manager and pharmacist Val Fleet said most customers wanting vaccinations had got them done by June, but she was expecting another rush now there seemed to be more flu around.

"We've done an awful lot actually, people love being able to just walk in and just get it done."

The pharmacy offered flu vaccines for adults aged between 18-65, and customers could choose the mini-needle vaccine Intanza, which was inserted under the skin instead of deep into the muscle.

A virus expert is warning working-age adults aged between 20-49 are particularly at risk of contracting flu this year.

Institute of Environmental Science and Research virologist Sue Huang said the last two weeks had seen an increase in winter flu rates and several strains of H1N1 virus - commonly known as swine flu - were prominent this year.

In the 2009 global swine flu pandemic, young children in particular were hit hard and have since developed better immunity to the H1N1 virus.

However young adults escaped the worst at the time and did not need to develop such high immunity levels, meaning they were now more susceptible to the virus.

"I would encourage young people to get more vaccinations," Dr Huang said.

"Vaccination is really the most effective way to deal with seasonal flu."

Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew announced earlier this week that winter flu cases were rising and had not yet peaked.

"As the peak is still to come, hospitals are likely to see more people with the illness, so it is worthwhile to extend the funded vaccination season."

The vaccine was due to be funded until July 31.

The seasonal influenza immunisation programme is free for people aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, people with long-term health conditions such as severe asthma, and children under 5 who have been hospitalised for a respiratory illness.

For anyone else aged 6 months or older, the vaccine is available for a fee from general practices or some pharmacies.

Those who are already unwell should seek advice from their doctor, nurse or Healthline (0800 611 116).

APNZ