Health: Time to have a flu jab

Waikato residents are being urged to get their annual influenza immunisation before the disease enters the community.

Vaccine has arrived in GP surgeries and now is the best time to be vaccinated as it can take up to two weeks from vaccination to develop immunity.

"Influenza is a serious illness with severe effects, including hospitalisation, complications and even death," says Waikato DHB immunisation co-ordinator Kim Hunter.

Influenza causes an estimated 400 deaths annually in New Zealand, either directly or indirectly.

Last year it put more than 1000 people in hospital.

Influenza immunisation is free from a GP or nurse for New Zealanders at high risk of complications - pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and for people of any age with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease (including asthma), kidney disease and most cancers.

"Having an annual influenza vaccine is an important way to protect yourself and others. As the circulating influenza strains change each year, so does the vaccine, so annual vaccination is necessary," Mrs Hunter says.

Waikato DHB is leading the charge within the organisation as health and safety staff recruit 'ward influenza champions' who are trained to vaccinate colleagues in their workplaces.

DHB staff are encouraged to have their vaccinations to protect themselves and their patients, families and communities, she says.

Immunisation is also available, for a small charge, for healthy adults and children six months and over at surgeries and some pharmacies.

Many employers provide free vaccination for employees.

The free influenza vaccination season will end on July 31.

More at www.fightflu.co.nz or phone 0800 IMMUNE 0800 466 863.