Health Minister Tony Ryall launched this year's flu immunisation campaign by receiving his own vaccination shot at Wellington Regional Hospital today.
Flanked by pregnant women and Capital and Coast District Health Board staff, Mr Ryall said this year's campaign focus would be on protecting pregnant women.
"Research shows that healthy, pregnant women are up to 18 times more likely to be admitted to hospital when suffering from influenza than non-pregnant women.
"Influenza immunisation in pregnancy also offers protection to the newborn baby during the first few months of life," he said.
New Zealanders considered to be at "high-risk" of complications, including asthma sufferers and the elderly, could get the flu shot for free from their family doctor, Mr Ryall said.
"Those at high-risk include pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and anyone under 65 years of age with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease - including asthma - kidney disease and most cancers," he said.
A raft of pregnant women being seen at the hospital also received their vaccination.
Wellington resident Emma Ruesink, 36, is 24 weeks' pregnant with her first baby.
"I've always had them as a precaution.
"I actually work in the medical reception field."
Focusing on protecting pregnant women was a great idea, she said.
"Normally the focus is on the 65-plus group.
"It's good we can give a bit of immunisation to our kids," she said.
Mr Ryall, who was one of the last people to receive the injection today, thanked the women for coming along.
"Thank you very much all for your help in supporting that. It's tremendous.
"My only advice is you don't stop at two," he said to the pregnant women.
This year, the Government were aiming to have 1.25 million Kiwis vaccinated - equalling last year's dose distribution, he said.
"This resulted in an estimated 30 per cent of the population being immunised by the end of July, when the Government-subsidised immunisation campaign finished.
"It makes sense to vaccinate to protect against the flu," Mr Ryall said.
Many employers also paid for their workers to have it done.
The vaccine costs about $30 for those who don't qualify for the free injection.
It is available through the GP, and at some pharmacies.
The publicly funded vaccine was available until the end of July.
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For more information:
* www.fightflu.co.nz
* www.health.govt.nz/influenza
* 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863)