Chiefs' example reduced flu cases

This month sees an end to flu season and Waikato District Health Board says the Chiefs rugby team is part of the reason more people got the flu jab this year.

A record 23,330 more Waikato residents were vaccinated against influenza this season, compared to the same period last year.

More than 95,000 Waikato people were vaccinated, up from 71,810 last year.

"The Chiefs management, staff and players really got behind the Waikato's influenza campaign and allowed us to film, photograph and write about the boys receiving their immunisations, which inevitably encourages others to have their's done," said Waikato DHB media and communications director Mary Anne Gill.

"Whether they think so or not, these guys are role models in our community and we know that having their involvement in relaying important health messages works, so we are really appreciative of the time and leadership they took in this year's influenza campaign."

"Keeping our squad healthy is essential to our success," said Chiefs head of strength and conditioning Phil Healey. "The immunisations, along with good hand hygiene certainly helped us reduce the incidents of illness amongst the players."

As a result of the increased vaccine uptake this year, a lower number of influenza cases were identified throughout the season, easing the burden on primary and hospital services.

Waikato DHB medical officer of health Dr Felicity Dumble says the higher rates of vaccination are encouraging as the more people who are immune, the harder it is for the flu virus to take hold.

The influenza vaccine was free until the end of July for New Zealanders at high risk of complications - pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and people of any age with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease (including serious asthma), kidney disease and most cancers.